PRIVATE  LIBRARY. 

JOSEPH  K.  NEWELL, 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 


V Samuel  Bowles  & Co 

0 BOOKBINDERS, 
Springfield,  Mass. 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
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HISTORY 


OF 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


FROM  JULY,  1775, 


WHEN  GENERAI.  WASHINGTON  TOOK  COMMAND 


OF  THE 

AMERICAN  ARMY,  AT  CAMBRIDGE, 

TO  THE  YEAR  1789,  (INCLUSIVE,) 


k 


WHEN  THE  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT  WAS  ESTABLISHED 
UNDER 

THE  PRESENT  CONSTITUTION. 


By  ALDEN  BRADFORD, 

AUTHOR  OF  THE  VOLUME  OF  HISTORY  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 
PUBLISHED  IN  1822. 


BOSTON  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  WELLS  AND  LILLY. 

1825. 

BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 

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DISTRICT  OP  MASSACHUSETTS,  TO  WIT; 

District  Clerk's  Office. 

_ BE  it  remembered,  'that  on  the  eighteenth  day  of  February  A.  D.  1825,  in  the  forty 
ninth  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  Wells  and  Lilly,  of  the 
said  District,  have  deposited  in  this  Office  the  title  of  a Book,  the  Right  whereol  they  claim 
as  Proprietors,  in  the  Words  following,  to  wit 

History  of  Massachusetts  from  July,  1775,  when  General  Washington  took  command 
of  the  American  Army  at  Cambridge,  to  the  Year  1789,  (inclusive,)  when  the  Federal  Go- 
vernment was  established  under  the  Present  Constitution.  By  Alden  Bradford,  Author  of 
the  volume  of  History  of  Massachusetts  published  in  1822. 

In  Conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled.  “ An  Act  for 
the  Encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts  and  Boolu,  to 
the  Authors  and  Proprietors  of  such  Copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned and 
also  to  an  Act  entitled,  “ An  Act  supplementary  to  an  Act,  entitled.  An  Act  for  the 
Eucourasement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  Copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the 
Authors  and  Proprietors  of  such  Copies  during  the  times  therein  mentioned  : and  extend- 
ing the  benefits  thereof  to  the  Arts  of  Designing,  Engraving,  and  Etching  Historical  and 
«ther  Prints.” 


JNO.  W.  DAVIS, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS, 

David  Sewall,  William  Baylies, 

George  Partridge,  Timothy  Pickering, 
Samuel  Freeman,  Thomas  Melville,  David  Cobb, 
Peleg  Wadsworth,  John  Brooks, 

Perez  Morton,  Judah  Alden,  Benjamin  Pierce, 
John  Popkin,  Nathan  Rice, 

WHO  WERE  IN  CIVIL  OR  MILITARY  OFFICE 

IN  MASSACHUSETTS  IN  1775; 

AND  WHO, 

AFTER  A LAPSE  OF  FIFTY  YEARS,  STILL  SURVIVE  ; 

THE  PATRIOTIC  ASSERTERS,  AND  INTREPID  DEFENDERS, 

OF 

AMERICAN  FREEDOM, 

IN  THE  CABINET  AND  IN  THE  FIELD  ; WITH  GRATITUDE  FOR 
THEIR  INVALUABLE  SERVICES,  AND  ADMIRATION 
OF  THEIR  UNDAUNTED  HEROISM  ; 

THIS  VOI.Via£ 

IS  VERY  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED, 

BY 

THE  WRITER. 


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PREFACE 


In  a volume,  published  in  1822,  tlie  record  of 
events  in  Massachusetts  was  brought  down  to  July 
1775.  The  period  embraced  by  that  volume  was 
one  of  uncommon  political  interest.  It  was  from 
1765  to  1775,  that  the  controversy  between  the 
government  of  England  and  the  people  in  the  thir- 
teen American  colonies,  then  a part  of  the  British 
empire,  which  issued  in  their  independence,  took 
place  and  was  continued  : and,  as  the  dispute  was 
more  particularly  and  uniformly  maintained  by  the 
Assembly  of  Massachusetts,  than  in  any  other  co- 
lony, previously  to  a resort  to  arms  in  defence  of 
constitutional  rights,  when  petitions,  remonstrances 
and  arguments  had  failed,  it  was  considered  pro- 
per to  give  a full  statement  of  it.  Soon  after  the 
affair  of  Lexington  and  Concord,  when  it  appeared 
that  the  British  resolved  to  support  their  arbitrary 
measures  by  the  sword,  the  Continental  Congress 
concluded  to  make  a common  cause  with  Massa- 


8 


chusetts ; provided  for  an  army  to  be  raised  by 
all  the  colonies  unitedly;  and  appointed  General 
Washington  to  take  the  command  of  it. 

After  this  event,  the  contest  having  assumed  a 
more  military  character,  and  being  supported  by 
the  united  strength  of  all  the  provinces,  the  history 
of  Massachusetts  becomes  more  connected  with 
the  general  proceedings  of  the  whole : and  as  the 
theatre  of  the  war  for  many  months  after  the 
epoch  above  mentioned,  was  in  that  province,  a 
record  of  events  which  there  occurred  will  include 
the  important  transactions  of  all  the  colonies  in 
opposition  to  British  usurpation.  A principal  part 
of  the  force  opposed  to  the  ministerial  troops  was 
also  furnished  by  Massachusetts,  for  some  time 
after  the  organization  of  the  continental  army. 

In  the  subsequent  periods  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  though  the  leading  events  which  took  place 
in  the  United  States  have  been  preserved  by  able 
writers,  the  particular  efforts  of  Massachusetts 
have  not  been  fully  recorded.  A faithful  narra- 
tive will  show,  that  her  citizens  did  not  relax  in 
their  exertions  after  the  seat  of  war  was  removed 
to  other  parts  of  the  continent ; but  that  the  same 
zeal  was  exhibited  and  support  given,  through  the 
whole  contest^  which  appeared  in  its  early  stages. 


9 


The  writer  of  this  volume  has  been  sensible  of 
the  difficulty  of  doing  full  justice  to  Massachusetts, 
without  referring  to  events  of  a general  nature, 
in  which  all  the  states  were  concerned.  It  has 
been  his  endeavour,  to  give  only  a concise  and  ra- 
pid statement  of  transactions  in  other  parts  of  the 
United  States.  A general  and  connected  view 
seemed  to  be  proper,  in  stating  the  particular  ef- 
forts and  services  of  Massachusetts  ; as  these  were 
rendered,  in  most  cases,  in  compliance  with  the 
requisitions  of  the  continental  Congress,  and  com- 
posed a part  of  the  united  exertions  of  America 
for  freedom  and  independence.  He  hopes  he  has 
not  dwelt  too  much  upon  transactions,  in  which  all 
the  states  were  engaged ; nor  omitted  to  notice 
such  as  particularly  regarded  the  state  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

It  was  asserted  by  some  members  of  the  con- 
vention in  Massachusetts,  January  1788,  which 
adopted  the  federal  constitution,  that,  for  several 
years  of  the  war,  this  state  furnished  nearly  one 
third  of  the  continental  army.  It  wiW  be  seen  in 
this  volume,  that  the  portion  of  troops  required  of 
Massachusetts,  was  very  great,  and  that  the  num- 
ber requested  was  usually  raised.  It  will  be  re- 
collected also,  that  general  Washington  acknowl- 
2 


VOL.  II. 


It) 

edged,  on  several  occasions,  that,  but  for  the  Mas- 
sachusetts regiments,  the  regular  army  would  have 
been  insufficient  for  attack  or  defence.  Although 
it  had  an  extensive  sea  coast,  of  upwards  of  five 
hundred  miles,  to  protect  by  its  own  militia,  the 
most  prompt  measures  were  taken  to  procure  the 
troops  called  for  to  join  the  continental  army  in 
distant  parts  of  America.  The  state  also  advanc- 
ed large  sums  to  these  troops,  to  induce  them  to 
engage  in  the  public  service ; and  when  the  ac- 
counts of  the  several  states  were  adjusted,  at  the 
close  of  the  war,  it  was  found  that  Massachusetts 
had  borne  more  than  her  just  portion  of  the  pub- 
lic burdens. 

The  history  of  Massachusetts,  after  the  peace  of 
1783,  during  several  succeeding  years,  is  very  im- 
portant. The  immense  debt,  for  which  it  had  to 
provide  payment,  and  the  embarrassments  on  trade, 
occasioned  a general  discontent  and  complaint 
among  the  people,  which  impeded  the  regular 
course  of  law  and  threatened  to  destroy  all  social 
order.  It  was  a period  of  great  public  distress 
and  alarm ; and  nothing  but  uncommon  wisdom 
and  firmness  in  the  rulers  saved  the  Common- 
wealth from  the  evils  of  anarchy. 


11 


The  establishment  of  the  federal  government 
over  the  whole  United  States,  which  took  place 
soon  after  the  period  just  mentioned,  was  also  an 
event  of  great  interest  in  the  country ; and  the 
proceedings  in  Massachusetts,  relative  to  it,  merit 
particular  notice. 

With  a deep  sense  of  the  importance  of  accu- 
racy, fidelity,  and  impartiality  in  those  who  profess 
to  give  a correct  record  of  events,  or  a just  cha- 
racter of  public  men,  it  is  unnecessary,  perhaps,  to 
add,  that  it  has  been  the  constant  endeavour  of  the 
writer,  in  this  as  in  the  former  volume,  to  have 
the  statements  given  strictly  conformable  to  truth  ; 
and  that  he  has  been  anxious  not  to  advance  any 
thing  as  fact,  upon  conjecture,  or  to  give  party 
representations  as  a substitute  for  prevalent  public 
opinion. 


Boston,  \2th  February^  1825. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

^Number  and  condition  of  troops  at  Cambridge,  July  1775  . . . Reasons  for 
not  attacking  the  British  in  Boston  . . . Character  of  W ashingtoa  . . . Gene- 
als  in  the  army  . . . Supply  of  men  and  powder  by  Massachusetts  . . . The  af- 
fair of  Machias  . . . Expedition  to  Lake  Champlain  . . . Defensive  war  only 
yet  intended  . . . Character  of  Hancock,  T.  Cushing,  Samuel  Adams,  J. 
Adams,  R.  T.  Paine  James  Warren  - --  --  --  --  -1 


CHAPTER  H. 

House  of  Representatives  chosen  . . . Conformity  to  ancient  charter  . . . De- 
lay of  judicial  establishments..  . Choice  of  Counsellors  . ..  Measures  of 
defence  . . . Finances  . . . Paper  money  . . . Debts  increase  . . . Requisitions 
of  General  Congress  . . . Army  organised  . . . Small  pox , . . Privateers  . . . 
Forts  built  at  Winter  Hill,  &c.  . . . Sea  coast  guarded  . . .Committee  of 
Continental  Congress  visit  Cambridge  ...  Troops  ordered  for  1776... 
Views  of  Congress  on  Separation  from  Britain  . . . Agents  to  treat  with 
Indians  . ..  Affair  at  Cape  Ann  . . . Falmouth  burnt  and  Bristol  attacked 
. ..Judges  and  Justices  appointed  . . . Gun  powder  imported  from  West 
Indies  . . . Debts -38 


CHAPTER  HI. 

V’^iews  of  the  Colonies  September  1775  ...  Expedition  to  Quebec  by  wa^ 
of  Kennebec  . . . Unsuccessful  . . . Armed  Vessels  . . , British  ships  cap- 
tured , . . Captain  Manly  . . . Treachery  of  Dr.  Church  . . . Militia  called 
out . . . Colonel  Knox  brings  cannon  from  Tyconderoga  . . . Resolve  of 
Representatives  justifying  a resort  to  arms  . . . Meditated  attack  on  Bos- 
ton . . . Dorchester  heights  fortilied  . . , Conduct  of  Washington  ap- 
proved by  Congress  . . . Militia  organized  . . . Nantucket . ..  Suspension 
of  civil  suits  . . . Refugees  . . . Regiment  raised  for  Quebec  . - - - 68 


11 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


British  troops  leave  Boston ...  Public  Funeral  of  General  Warren... 
Washington’s  entrance  into  Boston  . . . Northern  Expedition  . . . Death  of 
General  Thomas  . . . Independence  proposed  . . . Troops  raised  for  de- 
fence of  the  Province  . . . Captain  Mugford  . . . British  ships  driven  frotp 
Boston  harbour  . . . Militia  to  reinforce  regular  army  .. . Spirit  of  Mas- 
sachusetts’ Legislature  . . . Great  efforts  and  sacrifices  . . . Independence 
declared  , . . Proposition  for  new  Constitution  , . . New  levies  of  Militia  . . . 
Paper  money  depreciated.  - 92 

CHAPTER  V. 

Continental  army  for  1777  . . . Slavery  forbidden  .. . Several  calls  for  mili- 
tia... Invasion  of  Rhode  Island  under  general  Lincoln  . . . Military  stores 
from  France  . , . Monopolies  and  depreciation . . .Additional  State  troops, 
and  drafts  of  militia  - --  --  --  --  --  --  --  122 

CHAPTER  VI. 

General  Court  1777  . . . Expedition  to  Nova  Scotia  . . . Constitution  pre- 
pared bj’'  General  Court,  and  rejected  by  the  people  ._.  4th  of  July 
, . . Militia  to  reinforce  northern  army  , . . Secret  expedition  to  Rhode 
Island  . . . Bourgoyne  checked  and  captured  . . . Affairs  at  the  south  . . . 
Capture  of  captain  Manly  - --  --  --  --  --  --  139 

CHAPTER  VII. 


Taxes . . . Men  raised  for  defence  of  the  state,  and  for  the  continental 
army  . . . Addresses  to  the  people  . . . Confederation  . . . Judges  . . . General 
Court  sit  in  Roxbury  ...  Constitution  disapproved  in  1778  ...  British 
at  Newport ...  French  Fleet  ...  Americans  retreat ...  Lafayette  ., . 
Fort  Alden  taken. . .British  commissioners  offer  terms  of  peace  . . . Gene- 
ral Gates  commands  in  Boston  Opinion  of  British  statesmen  - 152 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Refugees  . . . Taxes  . . . Law  against  Extortion  , . . Scarcity  . . . Various 
measures  of  defence  . . . Depreciation  . . . New  calls  for  militia  . . . Con- 
vention for  new  Constitution  . . , Large  sums  called  for  by  Congress  . . . 
Penobscot  Expedition  . . . Conventions  to  prevent  extortion  . . . Addi- 
tional troops,  both  for  state  and  continental  service ...  Public  Fast.., 
GenerJil  Lincoln  in  Georgia  and  South  Carolina. . . Constitution  formed 


CONTENTS. 


15 


•and  accepted  . . . Order  of  Congress  to  call  in  paper  money . , . Debt  of  the 
state . . . Complaints  of  the  people  . . . Troops  in  Maine  . . . Academy  of 
Arts  and  Sciences ...  Dark  day  - - - - - - - - - . - 171 

CHAPTER  IX. 

State  of  the  country  ...  More  militia  ordered ...  Treachery  of  Arnold... 
General  Court  under  new  constitution ...  Governor’s  speech  ...  Bur- 
dens and  complaints  of  people  ...  Loans  ...  Militia  at  northward... 
Recruits  for  army  . . . Large  bounties . . . Committee  to  revise  laws  . , , 
Further  discontents  ...  Great  taxes...  New  calls  of  Congress  ...  Ex- 
cise acts  . . . And  impost  proposed  . . . Militia  marched  to  Rhode  Island, 
and  to  New  York  . . . Capture  of  Cornwallis . . . renewed  military  pre- 
parations...  Complaints ...  Riot  in  Hampshire  ------  194 

CHAPTER  X. 

Prospect  of  peace  . . . Massachusetts  urge  security  of  fisheries  . . . Minis- 
ters so  instructed  . . . National  bank  . . . Supreme  court . . . Illicit  trade 
forbidden  . . . Distresses  of  soldiers  on  their  discharge  . . . Alarming  com- 
bination among  part  of  the  oflicers  . . . Great  taxes  . . . Relief  for  debtm-s 
i ..  Impost  and  continental  taxes ...  Refugees  ...  General  Court  for 
1783  . . . Members  of  Congress  . . . Peace  . . . Governor  urges  attention  to 
public  credit . . . Slavery  wholly  condemned  . . . Census  . . . Requisitions 
of  Congress  , . . British  debts  . . . Eastern  boundary , . . Governor  Han- 
cock resigns. . . New  excise  . . . Complaints  of  British  importations  213 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Mr.  Bowdoin  governor  . . . His  opinions  and  Speech  . . . Proposes  more 
power  to  Congress  ...  Embarrassments  on  commerce  ...  Plan  to  pay 
debt . . . British  captain’s  insolence  . . . Old  taxes  not  collected  . . . New 
ones  assessed  . . . Criminals  confined  to  labour  . . . Convention  in  Maine 
a . . Proposal  to  authorise  Congress  to  regulate  commerce  . . . Convention 
proposed  for  revising  confederation  . . . Mr.  Bowdoin  governor  1786  . . . 
Urges  payment  of  debt  - --  --  --  --  --  --  - 236 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Convention  in  Hampshire  county  . . . Also  in  other  countries  . . . Complaints 
of  taxes  and  courts  . . . Courts  interrupted  . . . Militia  called  out  to  sup- 
port government . . . Extra  session  of  the  General  Court . . . Approve  of 
the  conduct  of  the  governor.  . . And  endeavour  to  provide  relief  for  the 


16 


CONTENTS. 


people  . . . Middlesex  militia  . . .County  conventions  renewed  and  forci- 
ble opposition  to  government ...  Settlement  of  dispute  with  New  York 
. . . Courts  again  obstructed  . . . Insurgents  embodied  . . . And  militia 
called  out  260 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Measures  adopted  to  quell  the  Insurrection  . , . General  Lincoln  commands 
the  Militia  , . . Marches  to  Worcester  . . . Insurgents  retire,  but  collect  at 
Springfield  . . . Fired  upon  by  General  Shepard  . . . Pursued  by  Lincoln  . , . 
Posted  at  Pelham  . . . General  Court  meet  and  approve  of  the  conduct  of 
the  governor  . . . Rebellion  declared  . . . Shays  marches  to  Petersham  . , . 
Surprised  and  dispersed  by  general  Lincoln  . . . His  conduct  approved  . . . 
Insurgents  in  Berkshire  subdued  . . . Commissioners  appointed  to  grant 
pardons . . , Several  convicted  of  treason  by  Supreme  Court  - - 286 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Mr.  Hancock  chosen  governor  . . . Great  part  of  General  Court  new  mem- 
bers . . . Policy  not  materially  changed  . , , Insurgents  still  dangerous  in 
western  counties  . , . Resident  in  Vermont  , . . Governor  authorised  to 
continue  troops  in  the  public  service  . . . Salaries  . . . Insurgents  pardon- 
ed.. . State  of  the  Commonwealth  . . . High  taxes  . , . Federal  Constitu- 
tion . . . Approved  in  Massachusetts  by  a small  majority  . . . Objections 
to  it . . . Arguments  for  it . . . Amendments. . . Rejoicing  on  its  adoption  . . . 
Subsequent  prosperity  . . . Amount  of  claims  on  the  United  States  . . . Mint 
...  Manufactures  ...  Slave  trade  prohibited  -------  311 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Mr.  Hancock  governor  , . . His  popularity  ..  . Dispute  respecting  the  Cap- 
taincy of  the  Castle  and  of  the  salary  of  the  lieutenant  governor... 
Representatives  to  Congress.  . .Number  and  mode  of  chosing  Electors 
of  President  and  Vice-President ...  Address  to  the  President ...  Two 
brass  field  pieces. . . Mr.  Hancock  governor,  May  1789. . . His  speech  . . . 
Law  for  Public  Schools  ...  Finances ...  New  Counties  in  Maine... 
Washington’s  visit ...  Effects  of  Federal  Government  - - - - 331 


Appendix 


349 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


CHAPTER  1. 

Number  and  condition  of  troops  at  Cambridge,  July  1775  . ..  Reasons  for 
not  attacking  the  British  in  Boston  . . . Character  of  Washington  . . . Gene- 
als  in  the  army . . . Supply  of  men  and  powder  by  Massachusetts . . . The  af- 
fair of  Machias  . . . Expedition  to  Lake  Champlain  . . . Defensive  war  only 
yet  intended— Character  of  Hancock,  T.  Cushing,  Samuel  Adams,  J. 
Adams,  R.  T.  Paine,  J.  Warren. 

When  General  Washington,  by  appointment  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  took  command  of  the  Ame- 
rican troops  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  the  third  of 
July,  1775,  they  were  estimated  at  about  15,000. 
Of  these,  more  than  9,000  belonged  to  Massachu- 
setts ; Connecticut,  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode 
Island  furnished  the  residue.  They  had  assem-. 
bled  at  Cambridge  and  Roxbury,  soon  after  the 
attack,  by  a detachment  of  the  British  army  in 
Boston  on  the  defenceless  citizens  of  the  province 

VOL.  II.  3 


18 


at  Lexington  and  Concord.  These  troops,  collect- 
ed to  oppose  a large  and  disciplined  army,  were 
none  other  than  the  yeomanry  of  the  country,  with 
such  arms  as  could  be  suddenly  procured  ; though 
a small  portion  of  them,  denominated  “ minute 
men,”  had  been  occasionally  trained  to  military 
duty,  for  a few  months  before.  The  whole  colo- 
nial force  had  been  under  the  command  of  gene- 
ral Ward,  whose  head-quarters  were  in  Cam- 
bridge; general  Thomas  commanding  the  right 
wing  at  Roxbury,  and  general  Putnam  of  Connec- 
ticut the  left  wing,  on  Prospect  Hill,  in  the  west- 
erly part  of  Charlestown.  On  the  arrival  of  Wash- 
ington at  Cambridge,  as  commander  in  chief.  Ward 
was  placed  over  the  right  wing  in  Roxbury;  and 
Lee,  then  lately  appointed  a major  general  by 
Congress,  had  the  command  of  the  left,  on  Pros- 
pect Hill. 

The  American  army  did  not  consist  of  so  many 
men,  as  had  been  represented  to  general  Wash- 
ington ; or,  as  a short  period  before  his  arrival, 
were  assembled  in  arms,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  metropolis.  Several  companies,  which  were 
marched  at  the  moment  of  alarm,  had  returned  to 
their  respective  homes.  At  one  time,  they  had 
been  estimated  at  1 8,000.  If  it  was  in  the  design 
of  Washington  immediately  to  commence  offensive 
operations  against  the  British  troops,  and  to  drive 
thfem  from  the  capital  of  Massachusetts,  his  plan 
must  have  been  disconcerted  on  finding  the  Ame- 
ricans less  numerous  than  he  had  expected ; and 
his  resolution  for  the  attempt  yet  more  shaken,  by 
witnessing  the  deficiency  of  arms  and  the  great 
want  of  discipline  and  subordination  among  the 
troops  he  was  appointed  to  command. 


19 


To  organize  and  discipline  an  army  of  such  ma- 
terials, of  men  who  had  seen  little  actual  service 
and  who  were  unacquainted  with  military  tactics  ; 
and  to  render  them  formidable  to  regular  troops ; 
was  a work  requiring  time,  intelligence  and  pru- 
dence. The  yeomanry  of  Massachusetts  and  of  the 
other  New  England  Colonies  Avere,  indeed,  brave,  re- 
solute, and  ready  for  any  enterprize  however  ha- 
zardous. But  they  were  the  lords  of  the  soil,  and 
they  acknowledged  no  higher  and  lower  grades 
among  them,  in  Avhich  some  were  entitled  to  com- 
mand, and  others  bound  to  obey.  To  civil  au- 
thority, they  were  certainly  most  obedient.  But 
happily  they  knew  nothing  of  standing  armies  ; and 
officers  of  the  militia,  being  chosen  from  the  great 
body  of  citizens,  and  usually  retaining  their  com- 
mission only  for  a few  years,  acquired  no  peculiar 
respect,  by  which  their  commands  would  be 
promptly  and  uniformly  obeyed.  The  first  great 
object  of  the  commander  in  chief,  therefore,  was 
to  produce  a spirit  of  subordination ; and  to  per- 
suade the  people,  both  in  and  out  of  the  American 
camp,  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  military  disci- 
pline and  of  strict  obedience  to  superior  officers. 
With  all  his  prudence  and  address,  and  enthusias- 
tic as  they  were  in  the  cause  of  freedom  and. of 
their  country,  his  wishes  were  but  partially  accom- 
plished, until  some  time  after  the  commencement 
of  the  war.  The  subaltern  officers  frequently  de-  ^ 
parted  from  the  camp  for  several  days,  without 
leave  of  absence  : and  whole  companies,  claiming 
to  have  come  as  volunteers,  left  the  army,  con- 
trary to  the  desires  of  the  commander  in  chief. 
At  a subsequent  period,  though  their  term  of  en- 
listment had  expired,  but  against  the  urgent  re- 


20 


quest  of  Washington,  as  the  army  had  become 
much  reduced,  the  whole  Connecticut  line  was  dis- 
banded and  returned  to  their  homes. 

Another  very  serious  difficulty  prevented  the 
plan  of  offensive  warfare  at  this  early  period  of 
the  contest.  The  troops  were  deficient  in  good 
fire  arms,  for  many  which  they  brought  with  them 
were  almost  unfit  for  use.  Nor  was  it  possible  en- 
tirely to  remedy  the  deficiency,  though  great  ex- 
ertions were  immediately  made  for  that  purpose. 
Of  the  necessary  article  of  gun-powder,  there  was 
also  a most  alarming  deficiency.  And  there  were 
at  this  time,  very  few  cannon  in  the  American 
army,  so  essential  in  storming  a fortified  town. 
To  the  want  of  an  efficient  artillery  corps  may 
justly  be  attributed  the  defeat  of  the  Provincial 
troops  at  Bunker’s  Hill,  on  the  17th  of  June.* 

It  was  evidently,  then,  the  dictate  of  sound  dis- 
cretion in  the  commander  in  chief,  to  refrain  from 
an  immediate  attack  on  the  British  troops  in  Bos- 
ton, who  would  probably  have  been  provoked  to 
retaliate  upon  the  besiegers;  and  these  would  not 
have  been  able,  in  their  unprepared  condition,  to 
repel  the  assault.  It  is  matter  of  surprise,  how- 
ever, that  the  British  general,  with  a regular 
army,  so  amply  prepared  for  the  contest,  did  not 
attempt  to  force  the  American  lines,  and  disperse 
the  provincial  troops,  who  were  so  deficient  in  dis- 
cipline and  in  military  stores.  These  considera- 
tions are  sufficient  to  justify  general  Washington, 
in  not  acting  more  decidedly  on  the  offensive  at  this 
period.  To  which  may  be  added,  the  reluctance 
of  the  opulent  citizens  of  Boston  to  an  attempt  to 

* There  were  only  four  brass  field  pieces  in  the  whole 
American  armv  at  this  time*) 


21 


drive  the  British  by  force  from  the  town,  as  a 
great  destruction  of  property  would  probably  be 
the  consequence  : and  the  system  of  opposition, 
deliberately  adopted  by  the  colonists,  being  then 
merely  defensive,  would  not  well  consist  with  a 
more  vigorous  hostility,  than  preparations  to  pre- 
vent the  ministerial  army  from  marching  into  the 
country  for  plunder,  and  to  meet  it  with  a good 
face,  at  a future  day,  if  a reconciliation  should  not 
be  effected  with  the  parent  state.  For  even  at 
this  period,  and  for  several  months  later,  though 
the  sword  had  been  drawn,  and  the  blood  of 
Americans,  wantonly  spilt,  called  on  the  people  for 
vengeance,  there  was  still  a hope  that  administra- 
tion would  recede  from  its  despotic  measures,  and 
that  the  rights  of  Americans  would  be  acknow- 
ledged without  further  hostilities.  Many  intelli- 
gent citizens  also  who  were  warmly  opposed  to 
the  conduct  of  the  British  cabinet,  were  averse 
from  the  idea  of  Independence.  And  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Continental  Congress  was  in  favour 
of  reconciliation,  upon  the  recognition  of  the  civil 
authority  of  the  Colonial  Assemblies,  as  had 
been  formerly  exercised.  When,  nearly  twelve 
months  after  this,  the  question  of  Independence 
was  discussed,  it  was  not  without  great  reluctance, 
that  several  eminent  patriots  consented  to  the 
measure.* 

The  appointment  of  general  Washington  to 
command  the  American  army  was  a most  fortu- 
nate selection.  Perhaps,  no  other  individual  in 
the  colonies  would  have  been  competent  to  the 
place  and  the  occasion.  He  possessed,  in  an  emi- 

* Mr.  Dickinson,  the  celebrated  author  of  the  Farmer’s 
T^etters,  was  one  of  these. 


22 


nent  degree,  all  the  qualities  necessary  to  a great 
general;  particularly,  to  form  and  direct  an  army 
composed  of  men  like  the  Americans.  He  came 
to  the  office  with  a high  reputation  for  patriotism, 
intelligence  and  experience.  In  a former  war 
between  England  and  France,  he  had  seen  some- 
thing of  military  plans  and  movements.  And  he 
had  given  proofs  of  great  prudence  and  judgment, 
as  well  as  of  personal  courage.  Had  he  been  im- 
petuous like  Putnam,  or  rashly  bold  like  Arnold, 
the  colonial  army  had  probably  been  exposed  to 
total  defeat.  But  with  great  decision  and  energy 
of  character,  sufficient  for  the  most  daring  enter- 
prize,  he  united  all  the  prudence  and  caution  so 
important  in  the  commander  of  a feeble  and  in- 
cipient army.  His  disposition  and  manners  were 
such  also  as  to  win  the  affections  of  all  ingenuous 
minds : and  yet  the  disobedient  and  refractory 
were  certain  to  receive  that  prompt  infliction 
of  punishment  so  requisite  to  military  order  and 
submission.  He  never  exposed  the  lives  of  the 
soldiers  unnecessarily;  nor  hazarded  an  attack  on 
his  enemy,  where  the  prospect  of  success  was 
very  doubtful,  except  in  cases  where  public  opin- 
ion seemed  loudly  to  call  for  action.  If  he  was 
ever  compelled  to  an  act  of  apparent  severity,  it 
was  a sacrifice  of  feeling  to  imperious  duty;  when 
the  good  of  the  country  demanded  it,  and  the 
rules  of  war  rendered  it  justifiable.*  Unprepared 

* Extracts  from  his  orders  to  general  Arnold,  who  com- 
manded the  expedition  to  Quebec  by  the  way  of  Kennebec, 
Sept,  1775,  “ You  will  observe  the  strictest  discipline  and 
order,  by  no  means  suffering  any  inhabitant  to  be  abused, 
or  in  any  manner  injured,  either  in  his  person  property, 
punishing  with  exemplary  severity  every  person  who  shall 
transgress,  and  making  ample  compensation  to  the  party  in- 


as  the  colonists  were  at  first  to  meet  the  regular 
troops  cf  Britain  in  the  open  field,  he  was  re- 
markably fitted  to  direct  their  military  move- 
ments ; to  restrain  the  resolute,  to  inspirit  the 
timid,  and  to  create  an  army,  adequate  to  the  re- 
pulsion of  British  mercenaries,  and  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  American  freedom.  His  love  of  liber- 
ty was  ardent  and  unextinguishable.  In  him,  it 
was  a most  elevated  and  holy  sentiment,  unalloy- 
ed by  selfishness  or  ambition.  Had  the  British 
troops  been  too  powerful  for  the  American  army  ; 
had  they  taken  possession  of  the  Atlantic  settle- 
ments and  planted  the  standard  of  despotism  on 
the  cultivated  lands  of  Anglo-Americans;  he  had 
resolved  to  retire  to  the  western  mountains,  with 
the  chosen  sons  of  liberty  who  should  adhere  to 
him ; and  there  build  up  another  empire  of  civil 
freedom. 

Charles  Lee,  Esq.  then  recently  appointed  major 
general,  by  the  Continental  Congress,  joined  the 
army  at  Cambridge  at  this  time.  He  had  been 
several  years  in  the  English  service,  in  which  he 
acquired  a high  reputation  for  courage,  and  dis- 
played considerable  military  talents.  But  it  was 
supposed  he  cherished  some  feelings  of  rivalship 
toward  general  Washington,  and  even  aspired  to 
the  chief  command  of  the  American  army.  At  a 
subsequent  period,  his  conduct  fully  jutified  this 

jured.  If  Lord  Chatham’s  son  should  be  in  Canada,  and,  by 
any  means,  fall  into  your  power,  you  are  enjoined  to  treat 
him  with  all  possible  deference  and  respect ; you  cannot  err 
in  paying  too  much  honour  to  the  son  of  such  an  illustrious 
character,  and  so  true  a friend  to  America.  Any  other  pri- 
soners who  may  fall  into  your  hands,  you  will  treat  with  as 
much  humanity  and  kindness  as  may  be  consistent  with  your 
own  safety  and  the  public  interest.” 


24 


opinion.  The  citizens  belonging  to  Massachusetts, 
who  received  commissions  from  the  General  Con- 
gress, at  this  time,  were  Artemas  Ward,  major 
general,  Seth  Pomeroy,  John  Thomas  and  William 
Heath,  as  brigadiers.* 

The  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  was 
in  session,  at  this  time,  in  Watertown,  and  on  the 
arrival  of  general  Washington  at  head-quarters 
in  Cambridge,  they  appointed  a committee  to 
wait  on  him,  with  assurances  of  perfect  respect 
and  confidence,  and  of  readiness  to  render  him  all 
the  aid,  which  the  resources  of  the  province  would 
admit.  He  had  been  instructed  by  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  to  consult  the  civil  authority  of  Mas- 
sachusetts ; and,  in  his  military  operations,  to  con- 
form, as  far  as  possible,  to  its  direction  and  advice. 
The  most  perfect  harmony  was  maintained  be- 
tween them,  while  the  American  army  continued 
within  the  province. 

He  had  been  at  Cambridge  but  a few  days,  be- 
fore he  made  a request  for  a reinforcement  of  the 
army  of  3,000  men,  to  be  raised  immediately,  with- 
in the  province  of  Massachusetts,  which  already 
furnished  about  three  fourths  of  the  troops  then 
collected.  An  order  was  promptly  passed  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  for  enlisting  this  number,  and 
the  several  towns  in  Middlesex  and  the  adjoining 
counties  were  required  to  raise  their  respective 
quotas,  though,  a few  days  after,  a counter  order 
was  issued,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  commander 
in  chief.  The  call  was  made  when  the  move- 
ments of  the  British  in  Boston  indicated  an  attack 
upon  the  American  lines,  and  on  finding  that  the 

* Putnam  of  Connecticut  and  Schuyler  of  New  York  were 
appointed  Major  Generals  in  the  continental  army. 


25 


troops  at  Cambridge  and  Roxbury  were  not  so 
numerous  as  had  been  represented.  Some  re- 
cruits arrived  from  the  southern  colonies  in  the 
mean  time,  even  as  far  as  Virginia  and  the  fear 
of  a sortie  from  the  besieged  in  Boston  subsiding, 
it  was  concluded  to  suspend  the  execution  of  the 
order,  as  to  two  thousand. 

At  the  same  time,  a request  was  made  by  ge- 
neral Washington  for  gun-powder ; an  order  was 
sent  out,  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  all  the 
towns  within  forty  miles,  to  furnish  a quantity 
from  their  regular  stock,  and  a large  amount  was 
immediately  collected. 

Early  in  June,  two  large  coasting  vessels  and  a 
British  tender  went  from  Boston  to  Machias,  a 
small  settlement  in  the  eastern  part  of  Maine,  to 
obtain  lumber  for  the  benefit  of  the  enemy.  The 
Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  had  forbid- 
den the  people  to  supply  the  British  with  provi- 
sions or  lumber  of  any  kind.  The  citizens  of 
Machias  were  therefore  determined  to  defeat  the 
plan  which  the  owners  of  the  vessels  had  in  view. 
They  took  possession  of  one  of  the  coasters,  and 
secured  her  at  the  wharf.  The  commander  of  the 
tender,  with  the  other  in  his  custody,  moved  down 
to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  intending  there  to  load 
with  lumber  and  return  to  Boston.  A number  of 
the  people  embarked  on  board  a small  vessel  and 
dropped  down  to  the  entrance  of  the  harbour,  to 
prevent  the  British  in  their  enterprize.  A skir- 
mish ensued.  After  a severe  engagement  of  an 
hour,  the  tender  was  captured.  The  captain  re- 

* Eight  companies  of  riflemen  from  Pennsylvania,  Mary- 
land and  Virginia,  consisting  of  100  each  : and  were  only- 
twenty  days  on  their  march. 

VOL.  II.  4 


ceived  a riiortai  wound,  of  which  he  died  the  next 
day,  and  two  of  his  men  were  killed,  and  several 
severely  wounded  Six  of  the  Americans  also 
were  wounded,  and  one  was  killed  in  this  affray. 
Captain  Jeremiah  O’Brien,  who  commanded  in 
the  affair,  conducted  with  great  bravery. 

In  June,  a committee*  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  Massachusetts  had  been  sent  to  lake  Cham- 
plain for  the  purpose  of  causing  such  of  the  can- 
non and  military  stores,  just  before  taken  in  the 
forts  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  as  was 
practicable,  to  be  transported  to  Cambridge  for  the 
use  of  the  army  there,  and  for  concerting  suitable 
measures  for  further  military  operations  in  that 
quarter  and  in  Canada.  > It  w^as  early  perceived, 
that  it  would  be  highly  important  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  fortresses  on  the  lake,  and  thus  pre- 
vent the  British  from  penetrating  into  the  western 
parts  of  the  colonies,  and  also  to  engage  the  feel- 
ings of  the  Canadians  in  support  of  civil  liberty,  for 
which  the  colonies  were  contending. 

The  patriots  of  Connecticut,  New  York,  Massa- 
chusetts and  New  Hampshire  were  early  sensible 
of  the  great  advantages  of  securing  the  north- 
western passes  from  Canada  to  the  frontier  settle- 
ments. Soon  after  the  affair  at  Lexington,  when 
it  was  generally  believed  that  the  colonies  must 
resort  to  force  to  maintain  their  rights,  an  expedi- 
tion was  planned  in  Connecticutf  to  seize  the  Bri- 
tish forts  on  lake  Champlain.  A few  resolute 
men  immediately  proceeded  to  the  county  of 
Berkshire  in  Massachusetts,  where  they  were 

^ W.  Spooner,  J.  Foster,  and  J.  Sullivan. 

t Mr.  Hancock  and  S.  Adams,  then  on  their  way  to  Phila* 
delphia,  were  present  at  the  consultation. 


27 


joined  by  Colonel  James  Easton,  Major  Brown 
and  others,"^  in  the  bold  and  arduous  enterprize. 
On  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,  so  called,  (now 
Vermont)  the  party  was  still  further  augmented 
by  a number  of  men  collected  by  Ethan  Allen,  Esq., 
and  Colonel  Seth  Warner.  Benedict  Arnold  of 
Rhode  Island,  who  offered  his  services  to  the  con- 
gress of  Massachusetts  for  this  purpose,  was  also 
dispatched,  in  the  early  part  of  May,  to  that  quar- 
ter, to  assist  in  the  undertaking.  He  was  au- 
thorised to  enlist  200  men  for  the  service ; but  he 
proceeded  without  raising  any,  and  arrived  at  the 
lake  soon  after  the  others  had  reached  it,  and 
was  engaged  with  them  in  the  capture  of  Ticon- 
deroga  and  Crown  Point.  Immediately  after,  he 
proceeded  to  St.  John’s,  situated  at  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  lake,  where  he  surprized  and 
took  the  fortress  occupied  by  the  British. 

Arnold  was  a brave  and  resolute  officer,  but  of 
violent  passions  and  unwilling  to  submit  to  the 
command  of  others.  A dispute  soon  arose  respect- 
ing the  chief  command  of  the  troops  in  that  quar- 
ter; Arnold  assuming  the  right,  while  Easton  and 
Allen  were  opposed  to  his  pretensions.  When  the 
committee  from  the  Congress  of  Massachusetts 
arrived,  they  gave  an  opinion  unfavourable  to  the 
claims  of  Arnold,  in  consequence  of  which  he  re- 
signed his  commission  for  that  department.  The 
committee  continued  at  the  lakes  several  weeks, 
for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a military  force  suffi- 
cient to  keep  possession  of  the  captured  forts. 
They  provided  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  Ame- 
rican troops  by  several  companies  from  the  county 

* About  220  in  the  whole,  Major  Brown  was  a brave  offi- 
cer, and  of  great  service  in  this  expedition. 


28 


of  Berkshire;  and  appointed  agents  to  furnish  them 
with  necessary  provisions,  and  such  military  stores 
as  could  be  procured  there.  These  troops  were 
soon  after  augmented  by  a party  from  the  pro- 
vince of  New  York,  amounting  to  about  three 
hundred. 

Without  this  seasonable  precaution,  the  British 
regular  troops,  assisted  by  the  Canadians  and  In- 
dians, would  have  harassed  the  western  settle- 
ments in  the  New  England  Colonies;  and  so  well 
secured  themselves  in  the  forts  on  lake  Cham- 
plain, as  to  facilitate  any  future  plan  of  a for- 
midable invasion  from  that  quarter.  This  seems 
to  have  been  foreseen  by  men  of  intelligence  in 
Massachusetts,  as  well  as  in  New  York,  Connecti- 
cut, and  New  Hampshire.  Joseph  Hawley,  Esq. 
of  Hampshire  county  was  most  decided  and  zeal- 
ous in  favour  of  this  expedition.  He  addressed  a 
letter  (June  4th,)  to  general  Joseph  Warren,  then 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  safety,  urging  immediate 
attention  to  the  subject,  and  stating  the  great  im- 
portance of  maintaining  a military  force  on  the 
lake  for  the  security  of  the  country.  He  was 
then  an  influential  member  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, but  was  with  his  family  at  Northampton, 
In  his  opinion,  it  was  equally  important  to  prevent 
the  British  from  regaining  the  forts  on  the  lake, 
as  to  check  them  in  their  attempts  to  penetrate 
the  province  on  the  sea  board.  This  letter,  it  is 
believed,  induced  the  Congress  of  Massachusetts  to 
appoint  a committee  to  proceed  to  the  lake  and 
to  take  measures  for  strengthening  the  force  of 
the  Colonies  in  that  region.  This  committee  ad^ 
vised  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  great  im- 


' 29 


portance  of  holding  the  forts  on  the  lake.  It 
will  also  be  seen,  that,  a few  months  after  this 
period,  Massachusetts  raised  a large  number  of 
men  for  the  military  service  in  Canada,  although 
the  capital  of  the  Province  was  in  possession  of 
the  British,  and  much  more  than  half  of  the  Ame- 
rican army  at  Cambridge  was  composed^  of  her 
brave  citizens. 

The  public  documents  of  the  Continental  and 
Provincial  Congresses,  at  this  time,  afford  evi- 
dence, that  a defensive  war  only  was  yet  waged 
against  the  British  government ; and  that  some 
hope  was  cherished  of  reconciliation  on  terms  con- 
sistent with  ancient  charter  rights  and  privileges. 
After  referring  to  the  arbitrary  measures  of  the 
ministry  towards  the  Colonies  for  ten  years,  the 
claims  of  Parliament  to  impose  taxes  on  the  people 
of  America,  who  were  not  represented  in  that  bo- 
dy, and  the  employment  of  military  power  to  com- 
pel submission  to  oppressive  and  unconstitutional 
laws,  they  declared  their  resolution  to  stand  in  de- 
fence  of  their  liberty,  and  to  repel  force  by  force. 
“ Our  fathers,”  they  said,  in  an  address  to  the 
people,  “ left  their  native  land  to  seek,  on  these 
shores,  a residence  for  civil  and  religious  freedom ; 
at  the  expense  of  their  blood,  at  the  hazard  of 
their  fortunes,  and  without  the  least  charge  to  the 
parent  state,  by  an  unconquerable  spirit  and  great 
enterprize,  they  effected  settlements  in  the  dis- 
tant, inhospitable  wilds  of  America,  then  filled 
with  numerous  and  warlike  nations  of  barbarians. 
Societies,  or  governments  were  formed,  vested 
with  perfect  legislatures,  under  charters  from  the 
crown.”  They  then  stated  the  various  claims  and 
statutes  of  Parliament,  which  militated  with  their 


30 


charter  rights,  and  were  subversive  of  constitu- 
tional freedom,  as  subjects  and  citizens  of  the  Bri- 
tish government ; the  transporting  and  stationing 
of  an  army  in  the  Colonies  to  enslave  the  people; 
and  the  attacks  already  made  by  the  military  upon 
the  innocent  and  defenceless  inhabitants.  ‘‘  We 
are  thus  reduced,”  they  added,  “to  the  alternative 
of  choosing  an  unconditional  submission  to  tyranni- 
cal ministers,  or  resistance  by  force.  The  latter 
is  our  choice.  We  have  counted  the  cost,  and  find 
nothing  so  dreadful  as  voluntary  slavery.  Honour, 
justice  and  humanity  forbid  us  tamely  to  surrender 
that  freedom  which  we  received  from  our  gallant 
ancestors,  and  which  our  innocent  posterity  have  a 
right  to  receive  from  us. — We  however,  assure 
our  fellow  subjects  in  every  part  of  the  Empire, 
that  we  mean  not  to  dissolve  that  union  which  has 
so  long  subsisted  between  us,  and  which  we  sincerely 
ivish  to  be  restored.  We  have  not  raised  armies 
with  ambitious  designs  of  separating  from  Great 
Britain  and  establishing  independent  States,  We 
fight  not  for  glory  or  conquest.  In  our  native  land, 
in  defence  of  that  freedom  which  is  our  birth  right, 
and  which  we  ever  enjoyed  until  the  late  violations, 
for  the  protection  of  our  property  acquired  solely  by 
the  honest  industry  of  our  forefathers  and  ourselves, 
against  violence  actually  offered  us,  we  have  taken 
up  arms.  We  shall  lay  them  down  when  hostilities 
shall  cease  on  the  part  of  the  aggressors,  and  all 
danger  of  their  being  renewed  shall  be  removed  ; and 
not  before.’’’^ 

There  were  several  members  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  at  this  period,  who  were  totally 
averse  from  the  idea  of  Independence ; believing 
that  the  Colonies  were  not  equal  to  a successful 


resistance  of  the  British  government ; and  many 
were  not  even  desirous  of  separation,  if  they  could 
be  restored  to  their  former  rights  and  authority. 

The  patriots  of  Massachusetts  were  not  profes- 
sedly aiming  at  Independence  ; nor  was  such  tlielr 
real  ultimate  object,  at  this  period  ; and  yet 
most  of  them  were  of  opinion,  thus  early  even, 
that  a separation  would  be  the  result,  as  the  Bri- 
tish ministry  were  resolved  to  compel  submission 
to  their  arbitrary  and  oppressive  measures.  They 
perceived  the  alienation  which  would  arise  from 
the  contest;  and  believing,  that  the  parent  go- 
vernment would  not  recede,  they  came  to  the  con- 
clusion, that  they  must  willingly  submit  to  surren- 
der up  their  liberty,  or  prepare  to  take  their  stand 
as  an  independent  nation.  • The  conduct  of  the 
British  administration  justified  such  an  opinion.  It 
declared  its  determination  to  prosecute  the  war  it 
had  begun  until  the  colonies  should  acknowledge  the 
entire  and*  absolute  supremacy  of  the  British  Par- 
liament over  them,  though  they  had  no  voice  in  the 
laws  they  were  required  to  obey.  With  a singu- 
lar unanimity  Massachusetts  resolved  to  draw  upon 
its  resources  to  the  utmost,  to  annoy  the  British 
troops  and  to  strengthen  the  American  army,  col- 
lected within  its  territory.  For  several  months 
after  the  Continental  army  was  formed,  this  Pro- 
vince bore  the  chief  burden  of  the  contest. 

The  General  Congress  met  again  this  year  in 
May  ; the  delegates  to  which  from  Massachusetts, 
were  John  Hancock,  Thomas  Cushing,  S.  Adams, 
J.  Adams  and  R.  T.  Paine  ; the  same  persons  who 
were  appointed  the  year  before,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  Mr.  Hancock  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Bowdoln, 
who  declined.  Mr.  Hancock  was  early  chosen 


32 


president  of  that  body  in  the  absence  of  Peyton 
Randolph  of  Virginia ; and  on  the  death  of  Mr. 
Randolph,  in  October,  he  was  again  elected  to  that 
office,  which  he  held  as  long  as  his  health  per- 
mitted. 

Mr.  Hancock  was  a man  of  great  wealth,  and 
possessed  of  showy  and  popular  talents.  On  many 
occasions,  he  had  given  strong  evidence  of  disin- 
terested patriotism  ; and  was  aware  of  the  desti- 
ny which  awaited  him,  if  the  struggle  should  be 
unsuccessful.  His  conduct  was  so  decided,  and  so 
obnoxious  to  the  British  ministry,  that  if  the  Co- 
lonists had  been  subdued,  his  opposition  would  have 
been  followed  by  the  forfeit  of  his  life.  Long  be- 
fore the  British  troops  began  hostilities  upon  the 
people  in  Massachusetts,  he  had  taken  his  stand 
on  the  side  of  liberty  and  his  country.  For  seve- 
ral years,  he  had  been  chosen  one  of  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  patriotic  town  of  Boston ; and 
more  than  once  a counsellor,  but  received  the  ne- 
gative of  the  royal  governor.  When  he  pronoun- 
ced the  oration,  before  the  inhabitants  of  that  de- 
voted place  in  1774,  on  the  anniversary  of  the 
massacre  of  March  1770,  though  the  streets  were 
full  of  British  soldiers  and  some  collected  to  hear 
the  address,  he  denounced  the  conduct  of  the  ad- 
ministration, in  its  various  oppressive  acts,  and  es- 
pecially in  sending  an  armed  force  to  be  stationed 
in  the  capital,  in  time  of  peace,  with  a boldness  and 
an  eloquence,  which  excited  the  astonishment 
alike  of  his  friends  and  foes.  He  was  president 
of  the  first  and  second  Provincial  Congress  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, which  set  at  Concord  in  October  1774, 
and  at  Cambridge  in  February  1775.  He  was 
also  a member  of  the  committee  of  safety  for  the 


33 


Province,  which,  after  October  1774  exercised  the 
powers  of  the  Supreme  Executive.  And  he  was 
one  of  the  first  board  of  the  Executive  Council, 
in  July  1775.  Mr.  Hancock  was  successively  elect- 
ed a delegate  to  the  Continental  Congress  for  Mas- 
sachusetts till  the  year  1779.  He  was  constant- 
ly devoted  to  the  public  service  ; and  was  ever 
ready  to  sacrifice  property,  as  well  as  ease,  to  the 
good  of  the  country.  When  the  present  constitu- 
tion and  frame  of  civil  government  of  Massachu- 
setts was  adopted  in  1780,  he  was  chosen  Gover- 
nor, by  a great  majority  of  votes ; and  continued 
in  the  place,  till  his  death  in  1793,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  two  years  1785  and  ’86,  when  Hon.  James 
Bowdoin  was  elected. 

Thomas  Cushing  had  long  and  justly  sustained 
the  character  of  a patriot,  and  had  filled  important 
public  offices  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  people. 
He  was  elected  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assem- 
bly for  about  twelve  years;  and  he  had  the  entire 
confidence  of  the  friends  of  liberty.  He  was  also 
one  of  the  delegates  to  the  General  Congress  from 
Massachusetts  in  1774  and  1775.  In  1775,  1776 
and  1777,  he  was  placed  in  the  Supreme  Execu- 
tive Council;  and  in  1780  was  chosen  lieutenant 
governor  of  the  Commonwealth. 

In  that  band  of  firm  and  intelligent  statesmen  in 
Massachusetts,  who  so  ably  and  resolutely  opposed 
the  plan  of  the  parent  government  to  infringe  the 
liberties  of  the  colonies,  none  was  more  uniform, 
and  none  more  distinguished  than  Samuel  Adams. 
James  Otis  was  in  the  legislative  assembly  several 
years  before  him,  and  was  more  ardent  and  more 
eloquent ; but  Mr.  Adams  was  not  inferior  to  him 
in  decision  or  in  devotion  to  the  sacred  cause  of 

VOL.  II.  5 


civil  liberty.  He  received  his  education  at  the 
university  in  Cambridge  : and  afterwards  became 
well  acquainted  with  history  and  politics.  And 
the  spirit  of  eminent  English  patriots  as  well  as  of 
the  founders  of  New  England  animated  his  whole 
public  conduct.  Deliberation  and  judgment  were 
predominant  traits  in  his  character.  He  was  never 
rash  or  precipitate  ; but  most  decided  and  perse- 
vering. And  he  was  always  careful  to  appeal  to 
the  constitution  of  England  either  to  justify  the 
conduct  of  the  colonies,  or  to  show  the  injustice  of 
the  British  ministry.  He  possessed  the  happy  ta- 
lent of  convincing  the  great  body  of  the  people, 
that  the  opposition  was  just  and  reasonable.  He 
and  Otis  are  believed  to  have  been  jointly  concern- 
ed in  preparing  several  publications,  which  have 
usually  been  attributed  entirely  to  the  latter.  The 
British  government  marked  him  out  with  a few 
others,^  for  signal  punishment.  While  a delegate 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  he  was  chosen  a rep- 
resentative for  Boston  to  the  Massachusetts  House 
of  Assembly,  July  177.5;  and  in  August  following, 
was  appointed  secretary.  At  this  time  he  was  elect- 
ed into  the  executive  council.  F or  several  years  fol- 
lowing, he  was  chosen  a delegate  to  the  General 
Congress ; and  was  there  distinguished,  among 
other  eminent  statesmen,  for  his  industry,  resolu- 
tion and  firmness.  Upon  the  adoption  of  the  con- 
stitution of  Massachusetts,  Mr.  Adams  was  elected 
president  of  the  Senate ; over  which  he  presided 
for  several  years  with  much  ability  and  dignity. 
He  was  four  years  lieutenant  governor : and  in 
1794,  was  elected  governor  of  the  state;  in  which 

* Hancock,  Bowdoin,  Quincy,  T.  Cushing;,  VV.  Cooper,  and 
H,ev.  Drs.  Cooper  and  Chaancey. 


office  be  remained,  until  admonished  by  old  age 
and  bodily  infirmity  to  retire  from  the  cares  and 
duties  of  public  life. 

John  Adams,  one  of  the  Massachusetts  delegates 
to  the  General  Congress,  in  1774,  1775,  1776  and 
1777,  became  distinguished,  at  an  early  age,  for 
his  ardent  patriotism,  and  his  decided  opposition 
to  the  arbitrary  policy  of  the  British  ministry. 
His  public,  political  career  was  long  and  brilliant. 
No  one  of  the  colonies  could  ever  justly  boast  a 
character  more  profound  as  a civilian,  or  more  re- 
solute and  zealous  as  a patriot.  In  1770,  he  was 
returned  a representative  from  Boston  to  the 
General  Assembly,  at  a time  when  governor 
Hutchinson  was  claiming  the  exercise  of  arbitrary 
power,  under  the  colour  of  prerogative.  In  the 
disputes  between  the  Governor  and  the  Assembly, 
Mr.  Adams  took  an  active  part ; and  some  able  re- 
plies of  the  House  were  attributed  to  his  pen.  The 
following  year  he  was  chosen  to  the  Council  Board, 
but  received  the  Governor’s  negative.  In  the  Gene- 
ral Congress,  no  member  was  more  distinguished 
for  legal  talents  and  ardent  patriotism.  He  was 
among  the  earliest  advocates  for  Independence : 
and  contributed  by  his  ability  and  zeal  as  much 
as  any  other  statesman  in  America,  to  vindicate 
that  measure,  and  to  raise  the  reputation  of  the 
country  in  foreign  nations.  He  w^as  appointed 
Envoy  to  France  in  1778,  and  afterwards  to  Holland 
where  he  rendered  essential  service  to  his  country, 
by  shewing  the  resources  and  zeal  of  the  United 
States,  and  procuring  loans,  so  necessary  at  that 
period,  to  maintain  the  cause  of  liberty  and  the  cre- 
dit of  the  American  Congress  afterwards.  He  was 
afterwards  minister  at  Paris,  and  had  great  influence 


36 


in  forming  the  treaty  of  peace  in  1783.  He  then 
received  the  appointment  of  Envoy  extraordinary 
to  the  English  court ; where  he  was  distinguished 
as  an  able  and  faithful  agent  for  the  United  States. 
In  1788,  he  returned  to  America,  and  was  elected 
the  first  Vice  President  of  the  Union ; and  after- 
wards, on  the  retirement  of  Washington  in  1797,  he 
was  chosen  president.  Decision  and  energy  were  his 
great  characteristics.  He  was  ardent  and  without 
disguise  in  his  conduct,  which  sometimes  subjected 
him  to  the  charge  of  precipitancy;  and  his  acquire- 
ments, as  a statesman,  were  equalled  by  very  few 
of  his  contemporaries. 

Robert  T.  Paine  held  a high  place  in  the  public 
estimation,  for  intelligence,  firmness  and  zeal.  He 
took  an  early  and  active  part  in  support  of  the 
rights  of  the  colonies,  when  the  claims  of  royal 
prerogative  and  of  the  supremacy  of  the  British 
parliament  were  urged  with  great  ability  by  Hut- 
chinson and  others ; and  the  plan  was  laid  to  de- 
prive Americans  of  the  privileges  secured  to  them 
by  their  charter.  As  a lawyer,  he  was  consider- 
ed among  the  most  eminent  in  the  province.  On 
the  failure  of  Mr.  Sewall,  the  king’s  attorney,  he 
conducted  the  prosecution  on  the  part  of  govern- 
ment, in  the  memorable  case  of  Captain  Preston 
and  his  soldiers,  for  the  massacre  of  several  citi- 
zens of  Boston,  on  the  night  of  the  fifth  of  March 
1770.  To  this  important  duty,  he  was  recom- 
mended by  the  selectmen  and  people  of  Boston. 
He  was  also  chairman  of  the  committee  for  the 
impeachment  of  Chief  Justice,  Oliver,  by  the 
House  of  Representatives  in  January  1773,  on  the 
charge  of  receiving  his  salary  from  England,  con- 
trary to  the  charter  and  the  invariable  practice  in 


37 


the  colony.  He  was  an  active  member  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  in  June  1774,  when  a 
decided  posture  was  assumed,  in  opposition  to  the 
arbitrary  measures  of  the  British  ministry,  and  to 
the  requisitions  of  governor  Gage,  who  had,  a 
short  time  before,  succeeded  Mr.  Hutchinson,  as 
chief  magistrate  of  the  province.  While  he 
was  a delegate  from  Massachusetts  to  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  which  was  four  years,  he  was 
also  a great  part  of  that  time  a member  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  speaker,  a member  of 
the  executive  council,  and  attorney  general."*"  He 
possessed  great  decision  of  character,  and  few 
men  contributed  more  than  he  did,  to  the  support 
of  civil  liberty  in  the  country. 

James  Warren  may  justly  be  ranked  among  the 
leading  patriots  of  Massachusetts.  His  early  edu- 
cation was  the  best  the  country  afforded.  His 
talents  were  respectable ; his  decision  and  zeal 
equal  to  those  distinguished  men  already  mention- 
ed. Soon  after  the  death  of  major  general  Joseph 
Warren,  he  was  chosen  president  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress;  and,  in  July,  when  a General  As- 
sembly was  convened,  he  was  elected  speaker. 
In  the  year  1776,  Mr.  Warren  was  appointed  a 
judge  of  the  Superior  Court,  and  in  1780,  he  was 
chosen  lieutenant  governor  by  the  legislature,  on 
the  adoption  of  the  constitution ; but  he  declined 
both  these  offices. 

* This  being  before  the  present  constitution,  there  were 
no  incompatibilites  of  office.  All  the  delegates  to  the  Gene- 
ral Congress,  from  Massachusetts,  for  several  years  were  also 
members  of  the  Assembly  or  Council. 


CHAPTER  II. 


House  of  Representatives  chosen  . . . Conformity  to  ancient  charter . . . De- 
lay of  judicial  establishments  , . . Choice  of  Counsellors  . . . Measures  of 
defence  . . . Finances’. . . Paper  money . . . Debts  increase . . . Requisitions 
of  General  Congress  . . . Army  organized . . . Small  pox . . . Privateers  . . . 
Forts  built  at  Winter  Hill  &c. ...  Sea  coast  guarded  ..  .Committee  of 
Continental  Congress  visit  Cambridge  . . . Troops  ordered  for  1776  . . . 
Views  of  Congress  on  Separation  from  Britain  , . .Agents  to  treat  with 
Indians  . . . Affair  at  Cape  Ann . . . Falmouth  burnt  and  Bristol  attacked 
, . . Judges  and  Justices  appointed  . . . Gun  powder  imported  from  West 
Indies . . .Debts. 

/ 

On  the  19th  of  July,  the  representatives  from 
the  several  towns  in  the  province,  who  had  been 
chosen  in  pursuance  of  writs  issued  by  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  in  June,  met  at  Watertown,  where 
the  latter  body  had  been  lately  sitting ; and  pro- 
ceeded to  organize  themselves,  by  the  choice  of  a 
speaker  and  clerk,  in  conformity  to  former  usage 
and  the  provisions  of  the  charter,  under  which 
the  legislature  of  the  province  had  acted  from 
1692.  Although  the  'Provincial  Congress  did  not 
materially  differ  from  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, being  chosen  in  like  manner  and  by  the  same 
persons,  yet  it  was  an  assembly  not  recognized  in 
the  charter,  and  had  been  substituted  in  the  place 
of  the  latter,  when  governer  Gage  omitted  to 
issue  precepts  for  a regular  General  Court.  As  no 
new  form  of  Government^was  prepared,  and  as  a 
formal  separation  from  Britain  had  not  then  taken 
place,  nor  any  resolution  been  adopted  to  become 
Independent,  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  intelligent 


39 


civilians  in  Massachusetts,  that  it  would  be  proper 
still  to  conform  to  the  charter  of  1692,  which  had 
hitherto  been  their  constitutional  political  guide. 
They  felt  the  difficulty  of  the  situation,  in  which 
the  people  and  the  government  they  had  assum- 
ed, were  placed.  They  were  too  wise  and  too 
patriotic,  to  think  of  maintaining  regular  civil  au- 
thority, necessary  to  the  due  administration  of 
justice  and  to  the  support  of  good  order,  without 
a legislature,  legitimately  called  and  organized,  an 
executive  distinct,  in  some  degree  at  least,  from 
the  legislative  power,  and  a judiciary  independent 
of  both. 

After  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  when 
the  authority  of  Gage,  the  royal  govornor,  and 
the  counsellors  appointed  by  the  crown,  contrary 
to  the  charter,  was  renounced,  the  anxiety  in- 
creased in  reference  to  the  novel  and  dangerous 
state,  in  which  the  province  was  thus  left,  and  the 
enquiry  was  often  made,  what  remedy  could  be 
provided  to  prevent  the  evils  which  would  proba- 
bly ensue.  It  was  true,  that  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress was  composed  of  persons  chosen  by  the  peo- 
ple to  legislate  for  them  ; or  rather  to  advise  to 
measures  for  their  immediate  protection.  And 
this  Congress  or  assembly  had  appointed  a Com- 
mittee of  Safety  from  their  number,  who  were  to 
perform  the  executive  duties  of  the  government,  ex- 
cept the  appointment  to  office.  But  there  were 
no  courts  of  justice ; for  the  commissions  of  the 
judges  had  been  declared  unconstitutional,  and  they 
forbidden  to  act  under  them.  County  conventions 
subsequently  recommended  to  the  people  to  sus- 
pend all  demands  and  disputes  of  a private  nature ; 
and  in  public  concerns,  to  submit  to  the  directions 


40 


of  the  Provincial  Congress.  A deep  feeling  of 
patriotism,  and  an  anxiety  for  the  freedom  and 
welfare  of  the  country  absorbed  all  selfish  consi- 
derations ; and  very  few  indeed  were  found  to  take 
advantage  of  the  peculiar  state  of  the  govern- 
ment. 

With  this  impression  of  the  want  of  a regular  go- 
vernment, the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachu- 
setts in  May  repeatedly  applied  to  the  Continental 
Congress  for  advice.  They  stated,  that  they  were 
without  a governor  or  deputy  governor,  without 
counsellors  and  judges,  inasmuch  as  these,  having 
refused  to  govern  the  Province  agreeably  to  the 
charter,  had  been  declared  no  longer  fit,  in  their 
opinion,  to  hold  and  exercise  their  several  offices ; 
which,  therefore,  they  considered  vacant.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  general  reasons  offered,  which  arose 
from  the  very  necessity  of  the  case,  as  all  autho- 
rity and  government  ought  to  be  founded  on  cer- 
tain principles,  which  had  the  approbation  of  the 
people,  the  source  of  all  just  power;  they  urged 
the  danger  which  might  soon  arise  from  having  a 
military  force,  and  no  civil  power  competent  to 
direct  and  control  it.  In  June,  the  Continental 
Congress  recommended,  that  representatives  be 
chosen,  as  formerly,  who  should  elect  counsellors, 
according  to  the  provisions  of  their  charter ; and 
that  this  body  act  in  concert  with  the  House,  as  a 
part  of  the  legislature ; and  separately,  as  the  ex- 
ecutive part  of  government.  In  giving  this  advice, 
it  was  assumed,  that  the  places  of  governor,  de- 
puty governor  and  counsellors  were  vacated. 

Agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  gene- 
ral Congress,  as  well  as  to  their  own  views,  which 
bad  been  given  in  their  address  to  that  body. 


41 


on  desiring  its  advice,  when  the  representativeB 
met,  they  proceeded  to  elect  the  same  number 
of  counsellors  as  had  been  appointed  in  years 
past,  who  were  to  have  the  powers  given  to  that 
body  in  their  charter,  and  also  to  exercise  execu- 
tive authority,  in  the  absence  of  the  governor. 
But  a sufficient  number  to  form  a quorum  \vere 
not  present  until  the  27th  of  the  month.  The 
views  of  the  x\ssembly  on  this  subject  will  appear 
from  the  preamble  to  a resolve,  which  was  passed 
the  following  day,  in  justification  of  their  proceed- 
ings. “ Whereas  it  is  provided  by  the  royal  char- 
ter, that,  when  the  governor  and  deputy  govern- 
or of  this  province  happen  to  die,  be  displaced,  or 
be  absent  from  the  province,  the  council  or  assist- 
ants, or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  have  full 
power  and  authority  to  do  and  execute  all  and 
every  such  acts,  matters  and  things,  Avhich  the  said 
governor  or  deputy  governor  could  lawfully  do 
or  exercise. — And  whereas  the  late  governor  and 
deputy  governor  of  the  province  have  absented 
themselves  and  have  refused  to  govern  the  pro- 
vince according  to  the  charter : It  is  therefore  re- 
solved that,  until  the  said  governor  or  deputy  go- 
vernor shall  be  appointed  to  govern  the  province 
according  to  the  charter,  this  House  will  consider 
the  constitutional  council  of  the  province,  or  the 
major  part  of  them,  as  governor  of  the  province ; 
and  will  acquiesce  in  whatever  said  council,  or  the 
major  part  of  them,  shall  constitutionally  do  in  said 
capacity.”* 

* Those  counsellors,  who  immediately  accepted  and  w'ere 
present  when  the  board  was  first  formed,  were  Sever,  Pres- 
cott, Lincoln,  Gerrish,  Fisher,  Spooner,  Foster,  Taylor,  Gill, 
Palmer,  Holten,  Otis,  Winthrop,  C.  Cushing’,  Whitcomb. — 

VOL,  Ji.  G 


The  legislative  and  executive  departments  of 
government,  were  thus  established  agreeably  to 
the  ancient  charter,  which  still  seemed  to  be  ac- 
knowledged as  the  civil  constitution  of  the  pro- 
vince ; and  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the 
people  gave  a sanction  to  the  procedure.  It  was 
several  months  after  this  that  the  judicial  courts 
were  organized : and  the  attention,  both  of  the 
legislature  and  of  the  people,  was  so  occupied  in 
providing  for  the  general  defence  of  the  province, 
that  no  complaints  were  heard  on  account  of  this 
omission.  The  necessity  for  a more  perfect  con- 
stitution, however,  was  soon  felt  by  the  people  of 
Massachusetts;  and  it  will  be  seen,  that  efforts 
were  early  made  to  prepare  one,  although  the 
perturbed  state  of  society,  which  war  occasioned, 
was  not  very  favourable  to  such  an  undertaking. 

Notwithstanding  the  previous  measures  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  it  will  b©  readily  perceived, 
that  the  General  Court  had  arduous  and  pressing 
duties  to  perform.  To  provide  for  the  augmenta- 
tion and  continuance  of  the  troops ; to  furnish 
arms  and  other  military  stores ; to  support  the 
public  credit,  in  a season  of  such  uncommon  ex- 
pense— in  a word,  to  call  forth  the  resources  of 
the  province,  in  defence  of  the  freedom  and  wel- 
fare of  the  people,  demanded  all  the  wisdom  and 
zeal  of  this  patriotic  assembly.  An  emission  of 
paper  bills  was  ordered,  on  the  credit  of  the  pro- 
vince, amounting  to  100,000/. ; which  had  been 
previously  recommended  by  the  committee  of 
safety.  A tax  of  40,000/.  was  voted  ; and  the 

Adams  and  J.  Adams,  soon  after  returned  from  Congress  and 
took  tl)eir  seats  at  the  Coencil  Board. 


Treasurer,*  whose  appointment  w^as  then  contirm- 
ed  by  the  General  Court,  though  he  had  already 
acted  in  that  capacity  by  request  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  obtained  a large  amount  by  loans  of  pa- 
triotic individuals.  It  was  but  a short  time  after, 
that  the  Continental  Congress  called  for  3,000,000 
dollars,  500,000,  of  which  was  raised  by  Massachu- 
setts. 

' The  public  expenses  were  already  great,  and 
still  constantly  increasing,  while  the  former  usual 
sources  of  wealth  were  denied  the  people.  A 
great  portion  of  the  yeomanry  from  all  {)arts  of 
the  province  had  been  in  military  service  for 
about  three  months,  thus  lessening  the  common 
amount  of  productive  labour  in  agriculture.  In 
some  parts  of  the  Province,  particularly  in  Maine, 
much  distress  prevailed  among  the  people,  and 
appropriations  were  made,  from  the  public  treasu- 
ry, for  their  relief.f  On  the  request  of  general 
Washington,  who  wished  to  annoy  or  check  the 
British  in  their  probable  plan  of  an  attack,  at  this 
period,  the  towns  were  again  required  to  furnish 
powder  for  the  use  of  the  American  army  ; and 
considerable  quantities  were  accordingly  collected. 
Several  fortifications  ^vere  also  built,  at  this  time, 
and  soon  after,  in  Charlestown,  Cambridge  and 
Roxbury. 

The  powers  of  the  General  Congress  were  not 
such  as  to  authorize  them  to  compel  a compliance 
with  their  requisitions.  No  such  full  power  had 
yet  been  given  them ; they  could  only  recommend 

* Henry  Gardner,  Esq. 

t 1200/.,  were  granted  for  their  relief  in  the  month  of 
August. 


44 


and  advise ; but  their  advice  was  generally  follow- 
ed with  great  promptitude.  They  recommended 
to  the  several  colonies  to  raise  men  and  money,  to 
collect  provisions  and  provide  fire  arms  and  muni- 
tions of  war ; and  in  most  cases  these  were  fully 
complied  with.  They  requested  the  legislature  of 
Massachusetts  to  call  out  such  number  of  men  as 
general  Washington  might  need,  and  to  furnish  all 
articles  of  food  and  clothing,  as  well  as  military 
stores,  for  the  army  at  Cambridge.  In  August,  the 
troops  there  assembled  were  organized  into  a con- 
tinental army,  and  received  into  the  pay  of  the 
whole  united  colonies.  Many  of  the  Massachu- 
setts men  had  enlisted  for  eight  months,  and  their 
term  of  service  would  not  expire  till  the  first  of 
December.  About  three  months  of  their  service 
therefore  were  to  be  compensated  by  Massachu- 
setts alone. 

At  the  request  of  general  Washington,  the  le- 
gislature of  Massachusetts  provided  whale  boats 
and  experienced  seamen  to  man  them,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  bringing  flour  from  Cape  Cod  for  the  use 
of  the  troops ; which  had  been  forwarded  to  that 
place  from  the  southern  parts  of  the  continent. 
These  were  very  useful ; and  large  quantities  were 
conveyed  to  the  army  at  Cambridge,  by  way  of 
the  southern  waters  of  Boston  bay  ; but  at  great 
risk  and  danger.  It  was  landed  at  Weymouth  and 
Braintree  ; and  conveyed  thence  by  land.*  Pro- 
vision was  made  at  the  expense  of  the  colony  for 
erecting  two  powder  mills,  one  at  Stoughton,  and 
one  at  Andover;  and  establishments  encouraged 

* Captain  Davis  of  Boston  and  captain  Drew  of  Duxbury 
were  the  commanders  of  this  little  fleet,  which  was  of  great 
pse  to  the  American  army. 


for  the  manufacture  of  fire  arms  and  cannon  in  se- 
veral places.  The  people  were  also  instructed  as 
to  the  method  of  procuring  saltpetre,  and  required 
to  furnish  it  at  an  early  period.  Wood  and  hay 
were  likewise  provided  for  the  whole  army  at 
Cambridge  and  vicinity,  by  the  people  of  Massa- 
chusetts, on  a requisition  of  the  General  Assembly. 
The  people  on  the  islands  and  sea  coasts,  including 
the  district  of  Maine,  were  all  prohibited  from 
selling  provisions  or  fuel  to  the  British  army  in 
Boston.  The  militia  from  Braintree,  and  a detach- 
ment of  men  from  Roxbury,  landed  on  several 
islands  in  the  harbour  of  Boston,  in  the  night  sea- 
son, and  took  off  the  stock  and  hay  to  prevent 
them  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  English 
troops.  Individual  citizens  of  enterprize  were  per- 
mitted to  fit  out  privateers  ; private  voyages  had 
been  interdicted,  except  in  cases  of  a special  li- 
cense ; and  several  ships  were  purchased  and  sent 
to  sea  by  the  colony,  to  intercept  the  British 
transports  on  their  voyage  to  Boston  harbour. 
These  were  very  successful ; and  contributed  much 
to  the  welfare  and  strength  of  the  American  army; 
and  to  a supply  for  the  people  of  many  necessary 
articles  of  living. 

The  inhabitants  of  Boston,  who  remained  in  the 
town,  were  exposed  to  much  sulferlng  and  gross  in- 
sults. Provisions  of  all  kinds  were  extremely 
scarce  ; and  the  little  to  be  purchased  was  at  very 
high  prices.  Numbers  left  the  town  occasionally, 
during  the  summer  and  autumn,  as  they  could  ob- 
tain permission  of  general  Gage ; but  often  they 
Avere  denied  the  favour  ; and  when  granted,  it  was 
with  the  sacrifice  of  a large  part  of  their  movea- 
ble property.  Through  the  influence  of  some  ma- 


46 


lignant  adherents  to  the  British  government,  the 

ale  were  treated  with  great  severity.  The 
pox  also  raged  among  them  ; and  added 
greatly  to  their  distresses.  Some  of  them,  when 
they  had  this  alarming  disease,  left  Boston,  and 
went  into  the  country  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
American  troops,  who  Avere  thus  exposed  to  its 
dreadful  ravages.  It  Avas  believed  by  many  of  the 
citizens,  that  there  Avas  a design  in  the  British  ge- 
neral to  communicate  this  destructive  malady  to 
the  Americans : but  there  Avas  no  direct  proof  of 
the  fact.*  The  troops  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury  were  justly  alarmed  by  this  disorder ; and 
many  made  this  an  excuse  for  returning  to  their 
homes.  The  greatest  vigilance  and  attention  Avere 
necessary  both  in  the  commander  in  chief  and  in 
the  House  of  Representatives  to  prevent  the  dis- 
persion of  a large  part  of  the  army,  and  to  engage 
others  to  enlist,  in  the  place  of  those  Avho  left  it. 

With  all  these  difficulties,  hoAvever,  general 
Washington  Avas  able,  by  the  prompt  assistance  of 
the  Assembly  of  Massachusetts,  to  keep  up  some- 
thing like  a respectable  army  as  to  numbers, 
though  greatly  deficient  in  cannon,  and  in  many 
military  articles,  Avhich  would  justify  any  offensive 
operations.  Several  forts  Avere  also  erected  dur- 
ing the  season,  in  advance  of  head  quarters  at 
Cambridge,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the 
enemy  from  executing  any  plan  of  attack  on  the 
provincial  troops,  as  Avell  as  of  annoying  the  enemy 
in  Boston.t 

* In  one  of  general  Washington’s  letters  to  Congress,  at 
this  time,  he  refers  to  several  circumstances  and  reports  which 
rendered  such  an  intention  in  the  British  something  more  than 
conjecture. 

t In  a letter  to  Congress,  Nov.  1775,  he  says,  “ The  trouble 


47 


Prospect  Hill,  lying  north  west  from  Boston, 
about  two  miles,  but  a less  distance  from  Bunker’s 
hill,  then  possessed  by  the  British  troops,  was  early 
fortified.  Soon  after,  works  were  erected  on 
Winter  hill,  situated  north  from  the  former  place, 
and  at  a short  distance  ; and  easterly  of  the  latter 
place,  towards  Mystic  river,  redoubts  were  thrown 
up,  to  prevent  the  passage  of  the  enemy  up  that 
river,  in  their  rear,  or  their  landing  opposite  the 
fort.  On  a less  elevated  eminence,  called  Plough- 
ed hill,  but  much  in  advance  of  Prospect  hill,  and 
within  about  half  a mile,  on  a direct  line  of  Bun- 
ker’s hill,  a breast-work  was  thrown  up,  while  the 

I have  in  the  arrangement  of  the  army  is  really  inconceivable. 
Many  of  the  officers  sent  in  their  names  to  serve  in  expecta- 
tion of  promotion,  and  some  who  had  declined  have  sent  in 
their  names  to  serve.  So  great  has  been  the  confusion  arising 
from  these  and  other  perplexing  circumstances,  that  I found 
it  absolutely  impossible  to  fix  this  interesting  business  exactly 
on  the  plan  agreed  in  conference  with  the  committee  of 
Congress,  though  1 have  kept  to  the  spirit,  as  near  as  the 
nature  and  necessity  of  the  case  would  admit.  The  difficulty 
with  the  soldiers  is  as  great,  and  indeed  more  so,  if  possible, 
than  with  the  officers.  They  will  not  enlist  until  they  know 
their  Colonel,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  Major,  Captain,  kc.  You 
can  much  more  easily  judge  than  I can  express,  the  anxiety 
of  mind  I labour  under  on  this  occasion  ; especially  at  this 
time,  when  we  may  expect  that  the  enemy  will  begin  to 
act  on  the  arrival  of  their  reinforcements.  1 have  other  dis- 
tresses of  a very  alarming  nature.  The  arms  of  our  soldiers 
are  so  exceedingly  bad,  that  I assure  you.  Sir,  I cannot  place 
a proper  confidence  in  them  ; and  our  powder  is  wasting  fast, 
though  the  strictest  care,  attention  and  economy  are  paid  to 
it.”  “ I fear  I shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  calling  in  the 
militia  and  minute  men  of  the  country  to  my  assistance.  I say, 
I fear  it ; because,  by  what  I can  learn  from  the  officers  in  the 
army  belonging  to  this  colony,  it  will  be  next  to  an  impossi- 
bility to  keep  them  under  any  degree  ot  discipline,  and  that  il 
will  be  very  diflicult  to  prevail  on  them  to  remain  a moment 
longer  than  they  choose  themselves.” 


48 


enemy  were  constantly  cannonading  the  provincial 
troops.  But  they  completed  the  work,  and  after- 
wards extended  the  fortifications,  so  as  to  render 
the  spot  perfectly  secure.  At  a later  period,  and 
sometime  in  November,  general  Putnam  was  order- 
ed to  erect  fortifications  on  Cobble  hill,*  about  the 
same  distance  from  the  British  works  on  Charles- 
town heights,  as  Ploughed  hill,  but  nearer  to  the 
town  of  Boston.  When  the  Americans  were  per- 
ceived, to  be  fortifying  this  place,  the  British  ships 
of  war,  then  lying  in  Charles  river,  between  West 
Boston  and  Charlestown,  as  well  as  the  forts  on 
Bunker  hill,  opened  a severe  fire  upon  them,  but 
without  checking  the  enterprize.  The  fort  was 
soon  built.  Putnam  bestowed  much  time  and 
labour  upon  it ; and  it  was  called  “ Putnam’s  im- 
pregnable fortress.” 

Soon  after,  strong  fortifications  were  erected  on 
Lechmere’s  point,  a little  south  of  Cobble  hill,  and 
near  the  margin  of  Charles  river,  where  it  was 
considered  the  British  would  probably  land,  if 
they  meditated  an  attack  on  the  American  army* 
They  had  indeed,  a short  time  before,  landed  300 
troops  at  this  place,  but  they  were  soon  driven 
back  to  their  boats  by  the  Americans.  These 
also  were  planned  and  completed  in  an  able  and 
judicious  manner;  and  the  remains  are  now  (1824) 
as  little  injured,  as  to  the  form  and  appearances  of 
the  ground,  as  any  works  erected  by  the  Ameri- 
can troops  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  The  high 
land  in  Roxbury  was  also  fortified,  and  made  a 
place  of  considerable  strength;  and  some  works 
were  thrown  up  on  the  peninsula  which  connects 


* The  Asylum  for  the  Insane  is  now  standing  on  the  spot. 


49 


that  town  with  Boston,  near  the  boundary  line  of 
these  places,  being  the  advanced  post  of  the 
American  troops,  stationed  there  under  general 
Ward. 

In  addition  to  the  troops  furnished  by  Massa- 
chusetts to  the  Continental  army  at  this  time, 
which  amounted  to  about  9,000,  many  towns  in 
the  province  bordering  on  the  sea,  and  exposed 
to  visits  from  the  British  ships,  were  required  to 
guard  their  respective  harbours,  for  the  safety  of 
the  people.  At  Plymouth,  a company  was  order- 
ed out  for  the  defence  of  that  town,  and  of  the 
Gurnet^  so  called,  a promontory  at  the  northern 
entrance  of  the  harbour.  At  Weymouth,  Hing- 
ham  and  Braintree,  towns  lying  on  the  southerly 
part  of  the  bay  of  Boston,  four  companies  were 
constantly  in  service  for  many  months,  to  prevent 
depredations  threatened  by  the  British  whose 
fleet  was  in  the  harbour.  The  inhabitants  of 
Marblehead,  Salem,  and  Gloucester,  by  direction 
of  the  Provincial  legislature  of  Massachusetts, 
and  at  their  own  urgent  request,  had  a portion  of 
the  citizens  employed  in  military  service  from 
June  1775  to  April  1776.  In  several  instances, 
requests  were  made  from  these  towns  for  some 
companies  of  the  Continental  army  at  Cambridge, 
for  protection;  but  general  Washington  did  not 
think  it  consistent  with  his  duty  to  weaken  the 
main  army  by  granting  the  request.  Some  works 
were  thrown  up  at  Cape  Ann,  however,  at  the 
expense  of  the  colony. 

In  September,  the  legislative  assembly  were  so 
desirous  of  the  frequent  and  early  advice  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  that  they  requested  that 
body  to  hold  its  meetings  in  the  vicinity  of  Cam- 

VOL.  II.  7 


50 


bridge,  \Vhere  the  American  army  was  then  sta- 
tioned. General  Washington,  in  his  great  pru- 
dence and  from  regard  to  the  civil  power,  was  un- 
willing to  engage  in  any  hazardous  enterprize 
without  the  immediate  consent  and  knowledge  of 
Congress  ; and  he  was  frequently  calling  for  aid 
and  advice  from  the  general  assembly  of  Massa- 
chusetts. New  troops  were  also  to  be  raised;  and 
the  army  provided  with  clothes,  provisions  and 
money.  Many  injudicious  people  were  impatient 
for  Washington  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  Bri- 
tish in  Boston.  The  legislative  assembly  of  Mas- 
sachusetts was  unwilling  to  take  all  the  responsi- 
bility attending  the  crisis ; and  it  was  suggested  to 
the  Congress  at  Philadelphia,  through  their  mem- 
bers, that  it  might  be  of  great  * advantage  to  the 
cause,  if  it  could  hold  its  meetings  near  the  seat 
of  war. 

This  request  was  not  complied  with ; but  a 
committee  was  sent  from  the  General  Congress 
to  Cambridge  to  confer  with  the  commander  in 
chief,  and  with  the  Provincial  Assembly  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, which  were  desirous  of  advice,  and  be- 
lieved also,  that  the  other  colonies  should  be 
called  upon  to  contribute  more  equally  to  the  sup- 
port of  the  Continental  army.  The  celebrated 
Dr.  Franklin  was  one  of  this  committee.  And  an 
arrangement  was  made,  by  which  Congress  should 
provide  for  raising  an  army  of  24,000,  for  the  next 
year;  and  for  calling  upon  the  several  colonies  for 
their  respective  portions  of  the  amount  necessary 
to  meet  the  expenses ; instead  of  requiring  each 
province  to  'raise  its  own  quota  of  troops.  These 
men  were  not  raised  without  much  difficulty  and 
delay ; and  the  militia  of  Massachusetts  were 


I 


51 


called  out  in  the  mean  time  to  recruit  the  conti- 
nental army  under  general  Washington.  The 
provincial  troops  assembled  at  Cambridge  in  the 
spring  and  summer  of  1775,  were  engaged  only 
for  a few  months  ; and  none  for  a longer  term  than 
to  the  last  of  December.  It  was  necessary  there- 
fore to  provide  for  raising  more  troops  by  the  lirst 
of  January  1776. 

The  assembly  of  Massachusetts  appointed  a 
committee*  to  confer  with  the  members  of  the 
Continental  Congress  and  the  commander  in  chief; 
and  the  governors  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode 
Island,  and  the  president  of  New  Hampshire, 
were  also  present  at  the  convention.  During  this 
visit  of  Franklin  at  Cambridge  on  public  business, 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  ordered  payment 
to  be  made  him  for  his  faithful  services  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  province,  while  their  agent  for  seve- 
ral years  in  England,  which  amounted  to  about  800/. 
sterling.  A large  portion  of  this  sum  he  immediate- 
ly appropriated  for  the  relief  of  those  unfortunate 
persons  who  had  suffered  at  the  battles  of  Lexing- 
ton and  Charlestown.  The  constitutional  society, 
and  some  individuals  in  England  also  contributed  to 
their  support. 

Specie,  as  the  common  medium  of  business,  dis- 
appeared at  this  period  ; and  paper  bills,  both  pro- 
vincial and  continental,  came  into  general  circula- 
tion. Congress  said,  “ they  had  very  little  mo- 
ney, to  support  and  pay  an  army ; that  there  was 
no  regular  government  to  levy  and  collect  taxes ; 
that  they  could  not  borrow  of  any  nation,  and  that 
they  had  no  other  resource  but  the  natural  value 

* Bowdoin,  Sever,  J.  Otis  and  W.  Spooner. 


52 


and  worth  of  this  fertile  country — That  on  the  credit 
oj^ such  a hank^  they  had  emitted  bills,  and  the  faith 
of  the  continent  was  pledged  for  their  redemp- 
tion.” 

The  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  the 
general  officers  of  the  American  army,  addressed 
both  the  people  and  the  soldiers  then  in  the  camp 
at  Cambridge,  urging  them  to  engage  in  the  mili- 
tary service.  “ Happy  will  be  the  man,”  they  say, 
“ who  shall  be  able  to  boast,  that  he  was  one  of 
those,  who  assisted  in  this  arduous  but  noble  work ! 
In  serenity  shall  he  pass  his  future  days ; and 
when  satisfied  with  life,  he  will  have  the  proud 
satisfaction  of  bequeathing  the  inestimable  patri- 
mony to  his  grateful  children.”  Washington  also 
addressed  the  country  in  the  following  style.  “We 
have  taken  up  arms  in  defence  of  our  liberty, 
our  property,  our  wives  and  our  children ; and 
we  are  determined  to  preserve  them,  or  die.  We 
look  forward  to  the  day,  we  hope  not  far  remote, 
when  the  inhabitants  of  America,  will  have  but 
one  sentiment,  and  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  bless- 
ings of  a free  government.”  Committees  were  ap- 
pointed in  each  county  in  the  province,  and  the 
field  officers  of  militia  were  required  to  forward 
the  enlistment  of  men  for  the  continental  service 
for  the  coming  year,  by  the  time  for  which  those 
then  engaged  should  expire. 

Although  Congress  were  resolved  on  vigorous 
measures  of  defence,  they  had  not  yet  determined 
to  separate  from  the  parent  country.  The  ioiiow- 
ing  is  part  of  their  address  to  the  king,  in  August 
1775. 

“ Attached  to  your  majesty’s  person,  family  and 
government,  with  all  the  devotion  which  principle 


53 


and  affection  can  inspire,  connected  with  Great 
Britain  by  the  strongest  ties  which  can  unite  so- 
cieties and  deploring  every  event  which  tends  in 
any  degree  to  weaken  them — we  solemnly  assure 
your  majesty,  that  we  not  only  most  ardently  de- 
sire the  former  harmony  between  her  and  these 
colonies  may  be  restored;  but  that  a concord  may 
be  established  between  them,  upon  so  firm  a basis 
as  to  perpetuate  its  blessings  uninterrupted  by  any 
future  dissensions,  to  succeeding  generations  in  both 
countries  ; and  to  transmit  your  majesty’s  name  to 
posterity,  adorned  with  that  signal  and  lasting 
glory,  which  has  attended  the  memory  of  those  il- 
lustrious personages  whose  virtues  and  abilities 
have  extricated  states  from  dangerous  convulsions, 
and,  by  securing  happiness  to  others,  have  erected 
the  most  noble  and  durable  monuments  to  their 
own  fame.  We  beg  further  to  assure  your  majes- 
ty, that,  notwithstanding  the  sufferings  of  your  loy- 
al colonists,  during  the  course  of  the  present  con- 
troversy, our  breasts  retain  too  tender  a regard  for 
the  kingdom  from  which  we  derive  our  origin,  to 
request  such  a reconciliation,  as  might  in  any  man- 
ner be  inconsistent  with  her  dignity  or  her  welfare. 
These,  related  as  we  are  to  her,  honour  and  duty 
as  well  as  inclination  induce  us  to  support  and  ad- 
vance : and  the  apprehensions,  which  now  oppress 
our  heart®  with  unsp**a'<;ab1e  grief,  being  once  re- 
moved, your  majesty  wul  find  ymr  b ir’nfu!  sub- 
jects on  this  continent  ready  and  willing  at  ail 
times,  as  they  have  ever  been,  with  their  lives  and 
fortunes,  to  assert  and  maintain  the  rights  and  in- 
terests of  your  majesty,  and  of  our  parent  country.” 
General  Gage  continued  to  treat  the  people  of 
Boston,  and  particularly  some  persons  of  distinc- 


54 


tion,*  who  were  favourable  to  the  liberties  of  the 

* James  Lovell,  Esq.  was  among  them.  He  was  kept  in 
close  confinement  till  March  following,  and  then  carried  to 
Halifax. 

Letter  of  James  Lovell  to  general  Washington^  dated 

Boston,  Provost’s  Prison,  Nov.  19, 1775. 

“May  it  please  your  Excellency,  I wish,  at  this  time,  to 
waive  the  expression  of  my  veneration  of  your  character,  in 
a still  lively  hope,  that  Providence  will  bless  me  with  an  op- 
portunity of  attempting  it  by  the  united  sincere  language  of 
my  eyes  and  lips,  though  even  that  too  must  prove  inadequate. 

“ Personally  a stranger  to  you,  my  sufferings  have  yet  af- 
fected your  benevolent  mind,  and  your  exertions  in  my  fa- 
vour have  made  so  deep  an  impression  upon  my  grateful 
heart,  as  will  remain  to  the  period  of  my  latest  breath. 

“ Y our  excellency  is  already  informed  that  the  powers  of  the 
military  government  established  in  this  town  have  been  wan- 
tonly and  cruelly  exercised  against  me  from  the  29th  of  June 
last.  I have,  in  vain,  repeatedly  solicited  to  be  brought  to 
some  kind  of  trial  for  my  pretended  crimes.  In  answer  to  a 
petition  of  that  sort  presented  on  the  16th  of  October,  I am 
directed  by  captain  Belfour,  aid-de-camp  to  general  Howe,  to 
seek  the  release  of  colonel  Skeene  and  his  son,  as  the  sole 
means  of  my  own  enlargement. 

“ This  proposition  appears  to  me  extremely  disgraceful  to 
the  party  from  which  it  comes,  and  a compliance  with  it  preg- 
nant with  dangerous  consequences  to  my  fellow  citizens. 
But  while  my  own  spirit  prompts  me  to  reject  it  directly  with 
the  keenest  disdain,  the  importunity  of  my  distressed  wife 
and  the  advice  of  some  whom  I esteem  have  checked  me 
down  to  a consent  to  give  your  excellency  this  information. 

I have  the  fullest  confidence  in  your  wisdom ; and  I shall  be 
perfectly  resigned  to  your  determination,  whatever  it  may  be. 

I must  not,  however,  omit  to  say,  that  should  you  condescend 
to  stigmatize  this  proceeding  of  my  enemies  by  letter,  the  cor- 
rection might  work  some  change  in  favour  of  myself,  or  at  least 
of  my  family,  which  must,  I think,  perish  through  want  of  fuel 
and  provisions  in  the  approaching  winter,  if  they  continue  to 
be  deprived  of  my  assistance. 

I have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

James  Lovell.” 

After  this,  general  Washington  requested  the  exchange  of 
Mr.  Lovell,  but  without  effect. 


country,  with  great  cruelty.  Several  were  con* 
fined  in  the  common  jail,  in  company  with  the  most 
vile  and  abandoned  characters.  General  Wash- 
ington wrote  him  on  the  subject,  and  assured  him, 
that  he  should  feel  himself  obliged  to  subject  some 
prisoners  in  his  custody  to  similar  treatment,  unless 
the  American  citizens  in  confinement  in  Boston 
should  be  released.  Gage  was  not  easily  dissuad- 
ed from  this  dishonourable  conduct : but  finding 
that  Washington  was  decided  in  his  purpose,  after 
some  time,  he  treated  his  prisoners  with  less  se- 
verity.* 

* Extract  from  a letter  of  general  Washington  to  governor 
Gage,  dated  head-quarters^ 

Cambridge,  August  11,  1775. 

“ I understand  that  the  officers  engaged  in  the  cause  of  liber- 
ty and  their  country,  who  by  the  fortune  of  war  have  fallen 
into  your  hands,  have  been  thrown  indiscriminately,  into  a 
common  jail,  appropriated  for  felons  ; that  no  consideration 
has  been  had  for  those  of  the  most  respectable  rank,  when 
languishing  with  wounds  and  sickness  ; and  that  some  of  them 
have  been  amputated  in  this  situation. 

Let  your  opinion,  sir,  of  the  principle  which  actuates  them 
be  what  it  may,  they  suppose  they  act  from  the  noblest  of  all 
principles,  a love  of  freedom  and  their  country.  But  politi- 
cal opinions,  I conceive,  are  foreign  to  this  point.  The  ob- 
ligations arising  from  humanity  and  claims  of  rank  are  uni- 
versally binding  and  extensive,  except  in  case  of  retaliation. 
These,  1 should  have  hoped,  would  have  dictated  a more 
tender  treatment  of  those  individuals,  whom  chance  or  war 
had  put  in  your  power.'  Nor  can  I forbear  suggesting  its  fatal 
tendency,  to  render  that  unhappy  breach,  which  you  and 
those  ministers  under  whom  you  act,  have  repeatedly  declar- 
ed you  wish  to  see  forever  closed. 

My  duty  now  makes  it  necessary  to  apprize  you,  that  for 
the  future  I shall  regulate  my  conduct  towards  those  gentle- 
men, who  are  or  may  be  in  our  possession,  exactly  by  the 
rule  you  shall  observe  towards  those  of  ours  now  in  your 
custody. 

If  severity  and  hardship  mark  the  line  of  your  conduct, 


56 


In  October,  general  Gage  embarked  for  En- 
gland; and  sir  William  Howe  succeeded  to  the 

painful  as  it  will  be  to  me,  your  prisoners  will  feel  its  effects ; 
but  if  kindness  and  humanity  are  shewn  to  ours,  1 shall,  with 
pleasure,  consider  those  in  our  hands  only  as  unfortunate, 
and  they  shall  receive  from  me  that  treatment  to  which  the 
unfortunate  are  ever  entitled. 

I beg  to  be  favoured  with  an  answer  as  soon  as  possible ; 
and  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant, 

George  Washington. 

His  Excellency  General  Gage.” 

The  following  is  the  answer  of  general  Gage^ 

Boston,  August  13. 

Sir, — To  the  glory  of  civilized  nations,  humanity  and  war 
have  ever  been  compatible : and  compassion  to  the  subdued  is 
come  almost  a general  system. 

Britons,  ever  preeminent  in  mercy,  have  outgone  common 
examples,  and  overlooked  the  criminal  in  the  captive.  Upon 
these  principles,  your  prisoners,  whose  lives  by  the  laws  of 
the  land  are  destined  to  the  corrf,  have  hitherto  been  treated 
with  care  and  kindness,  and  more  comfortably  lodged  than  the 
king’s  troops  in  the  hospitals ; indiscriminately,  it  is  true ; 
for  I acknowledge  no  rank  that  is  not  derived  from  the  king. 

My  intelligence  from  your  army  would  justify  severe  re- 
crimination. I understand  there  are  of  the  king’s  faithful 
subjects,  taken  sometime  since  by  the  rebels^  labouring  like 
negro  slaves  to  gain  their  daily  subsistence,  or  reduced  to  the 
wretched  alternative  to  perish  by  famine,  or  take  arms  against 
their  king.  Those  who  have  made  the  treatment  of  the 
prisoners  in  my  hands,  or  of  your  other  friends  in  Boston  a 
pretence  for  such  measures,  found  barbarity  upon  falsehood. 

I would  willingly  hope,  sir,  that  the  sentiments  of  liberali- 
ty, which  I have  always  believed  you  to  possess,  will  be  ex- 
erted to  correct  these  misdoings.  Be  temperate  in  political 
discussion,  give  free  operation  to  truth,  and  punish  those  who 
deceive  and  misrepresent ; and  not  only  the  effects,  but  the 
causes  of  this  unhappy  conflict  will  be  removed. 

Should  those,  under  whose  usurped  authority  you  act,  con- 
troul  such  a disposition  and  dare  to  call  severity  retaliation, 
to  God  who  knows  all  hearts  be  the  appeal  for  the  dreadful 
consequences.  I trust,  that  British  soldiers,  asserting  the 


57 


chief  command  of  the  British  troops  in  Bos- 
ton. In  his  conduct  towards  the  citizens  of  Bos- 
ton, he  was  as  arbitrary  and  severe  as  his  prede- 
rights of  the  state,  and  the  laws  of  the  constitution,  will  meet 
all  events  with  becoming  fortitude.  They  will  court  victory 
with  the  spirit  their  cause  inspires ; and  from  the  same  mo- 
tive, will  find  the  patience  of  martyrs  under  misfortune. 

Till  I read  your  insinuations  in  regard  to  ministers,  I con- 
ceived that  I had  acted  under  the  king,  whose  wishes,  it  is 
true,  as  well  as  those  of  his  ministers,  and  of  every  honest 
man,  have  been  to  see  this  unhappy  breach  forever  closed  : 
but  unfortunately  for  both  countries,  those  who*  long  since 
projected  the  present  crisis,  and  influence  the  councils  of 
America,  have  views  very  distant  from  accommodation. 

I am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

Thomas  Gage. 

George  Washington,  Esq.” 

On  the  \^th  general  Washington  addressed  a second  note 
to  general  Gage,  which  follows — 

Head  quarters,  Cambridge,  August  \9th. 

“ Sir, — I addressed  you  on  the  lUh  instant,  in  terms  which 
gave  the  fairest  scope  for  the  exercise  of  that  humanity  and 
politeness,  which  were  supposed  to  form  a part  of  your  char- 
acter. I remonstrated  against  the  unworthy  treatment  shewn 
to  the  oflicers  and  citizens  of  America,  whom  the  fortune  of 
war,  chance  or  a mistaken  confidence,  had  thrown  into  your 
hands. 

Whether  British  or  American  mercy,  fortitude  and  patience 
are  the  most  preeminent ; whether  our  virtuous  citizens, 
whom  the  hand  of  tyranny  has  forced  into  arms,  to  defend 
their  wives,  children  and  property,  or  the  mercenary  instru- 
ments of  lawless  domination,  avarice  and  revenge,  best  deserve 
the  appellation  of  rebels^  and  the  punishment  of  the  cord, 
which  your  afl'ected  clemency  has  forborne  to  inflict ; wheth- 
er the  authority  under  which  I act  is  usurped,  or  founded 
upon  the  genuine  principles  of  liberty,  were  altogether  for- 
eign to  the  subject.  I purposely  avoided  all  political  disquisi- 
tion ; nor  shall  I now  avail  myself  of  those  advantages,  which 
the  sacred  cause  of  my  country,  of  liberty  and  human  nature 
give  me  over  you  ; much  less  shall  I stoop  to  retort  an  invec- 

VOL.  II.  8 


5a 


cessor  had  been.  He  refused  them  the  liberty  of 
leaving  Boston ; and  obliged  them  to  form  into 
companies  and  to  procure  arms,  for  the  purpose  of 

tive.  But  the  intelligence  you  say  you  have  received  from 
our  army  requires  a reply.  I have  taken  time  to  make  a 
short  inquiry,  and  find  it  has  not  the  least  foundation  in  truth. 
Not  only  your  officers  and  soldiers  have  been  treated  with  a 
tenderness  due  to  fellow  citizens  and  brethren,  but  even  those 
execrable  parricides^  whose  councils  and  aid  have  deluged  their 
country  with  blood,  have  been  protected  from  the  fury  of  a 
justly  enraged  people.  You  advise  me  to  give  free  operation 
to  truth,  to  punish  misrepresentation  and  falsehood.  If  ex- 
perience stamps  value  upon  council,  yours  must  have  a 
weight  which  few  can  claim.  You  best  can  tell  how  far  the 
convulsion,  which  has  brought  such  ruin  upon  both  countries 
and  shaken  the  mighty  empire  of  Britain  to  its  foundations, 
may  be  traced  to  these  malignant  causes. 

You  affect,  sir,  to  despise  all  rank  not  derived  from  the 
same  source  with  your  own.  I cannot  conceive  one  more 
honourable  than  that  which  flows  from  the  uncorrupted 
choice  of  a brave  and  free  people,  the  purest  source  and  ori- 
ginal fountain  of  all  power.  Far  from  making  it  a plea  for 
cruelty,  a mind  of  true  magnanimity  and  enlarged  views  would 
comprehend  and  respect  it. 

What  may  have  been  the  ministerial  views,  which  have 
precipitated  the  present  crisis,  Lexington,  Concord  and 
Charlestown  can  best  declare.  May  that  God,  to  whom  you 
there  appealed,  judge  between  America  and  you.  Under  his 
providence,  those  who  influence  the  councils  of  America  and 
all  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  united  colonies,  at  the  hazard 
of  their  lives  are  determined  to  hand  down  to  posterity  those 
just  and  invaluable  privileges  which  they  received  from  their 
ancestors. 

I shall  now,  sir,  close  my  correspondence  with  you,  per- 
haps forever.  If  your  officers,  our  prisoners,  receive  a treat- 
ment from  me  different  from  what  I wished  to  shew  them, 
they  and  you  will  remember  the  occasion  of  it. 

I am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant. 

George  Washington.” 


59 


assisting  the  British  in  opposing  the  American 
troops,  if  they  should  make  an  attack  on  Bos- 
ton. 


* Letter  of  general  Washington  to  general  How. 

Cambridge,  December  18M,  1775. 

Sir, — We  have  just  been  informed  of  a circumstance, 
which,  were  it  not  so  well  authenticated,  I should  scarcely 
think  credible.  It  is,  that  colonel  Allen,  who,  wdth  his  small 
party,  was  defeated  and  taken  prisoner  near  Montreal,  has 
been  treated  without  regard  to  decency,  humanity  or  the 
rules  of  war.  That  he  has  been  thrown  into  irons  and  suf- 
fers all  the  hardships  inflicted  upon  common  felons.  1 think 
it  my  duty  to  demand,  and  do  expect  from  you  an  eclaircisse- 
ment  on  this  subject.  At  the  same  time,  I flatter  myself, 
from  the  character  which  Mr.  How  bears,  as  a man  of  hon- 
our, a gentleman  and  a soldier,  that  my  demand  will  meet 
with  his  approbation.  I must  take  the  liberty  also  of  inform- 
ing you,  that  I shall  consider  your  silence  as  a confirmation 
of  the  truth  of  the  report;  and  further  assuring  you,  that, 
whatever  treatment  colonel  Allen  receives,  whatever  fate 
he  undergoes,  such  exactly  shall  be  the  treatment  and  fate  of 
brigadier  general  Prescott,  now  in  our  hands. 

The  law  of  retaliation  is  not  only  justifiable  in  the  sight  of 
God  and  man,  but  absolutely  a duty,  which,  in  our  present 
circumstances,  we  owe  to  our  relations,  friends  and  fellow 
citizens. 

Permit  me  to  add,  sir,  that  we  have  all  the  highest  re- 
gard for  your  great  personal  qualities  and  attainments,  and 
that  the  Americans  in  general  esteem  it  not  as  the  least  of 
their  misfortunes,  that  the  name  of  How.,  a name  so  dear  to 
them,  should  appear  at  the  head  of  the  catalogue  of  the  in- 
struments employed  by  a wicked  ministry  for  their  destruc- 
tion. 

’ With  due  respect,  kc. 

George  Washington.” 

The  following  is  the  answer  of  general  How,  to  the  foregoing. 

Boston,  December  21,  1775. 

“ Sir, — In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  I8ih  instant,  I am 
to  acquaint  you,  that  my  command  does  not  extend  to  Canada, 
nor,  having  received  no  accounts  wherein  the  name  of  Allen 
is  mentioned,  can  I give  you  the  smallest  satisfaction  on  the 


60 


It  was  considered  an  object  of  importance,  by 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  of  New 
York  and  Connecticut,  that  a treaty  should  be  at- 
tempted with  the  Mohawk  and  the  other  Six  na- 
tions of  Indians.  An  agent  for  this  purpose  was 
appointed  in  Massachusetts,  Joseph  Hawley,  Esq. 
who  was  to  join  with  those  designated  from  the 
other  two  colonies.  They  met  at  Albany,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  conciliating  the  friendship  of  many  of 
these  savages  of  the  Avilderness,  who,  if  united  to 
the  British,  would  be  able  to  do  much  injury  to 
the  Americans  in  the  western  settlements.  Some 
of  them  continued  friendly.  But  many  afterwards 
proved  treacherous  ; and,  instigated  by  the  British 
generals,  and  by  individuals  disaffected  to  the  cause 
of  liberty,  they  often  fell  upon  our  defenceless 
borders  and  murdered  the  people  in  cold  blood. 

In  the  month  of  August,  a large  American  ship, 
with  a valuable  cargo,  arrived  off  the  harbour  of 
Gloucester,  and  several  of  the  inhabitants  went  to 
her  in  boats,  to  assist  in  bringing  her  into  the  port, 
as  a British  frigate  was  known  to  be  in  the  bay, 
at  no  great  distance ; and  it  was  apprehended  she 
might  take  possession  of  the  merchant  vessel  and 
carry  her  to  Boston.  On  perceiving  the  Ameri- 

subject  of  your  letter.  But  trusting  major  general  Carletou’s 
conduct  will  never  incur  censure  upon  any  occasion,  I am  to 
conclude,  in  the  instance  of  your  inquiry,  that  he  has  not 
forfeited  his  past  pretensions  to  decency  and  humanity. 

It  is  with  regret,  considering  the  character  you  have  al- 
ways maintained  among  your  friends,  as  a gentleman  of  the 
strictest  honour  and  delicacy,  that  I find  cause  to  resent  a 
sentence  in  the  conclusion  of  your  letter,  big  with  invective 
against  my  superiors  and  insulting  to  myself,  which  should 
obstruct  any  further  intercourse  between  us. 

I arp,  sir,  with  due  respect,  &c. 

WiLiiAM  How.” 


-« 


61 

can  ship  going  for  the  harbour  of  Gloucester,  the 
captain  of  the  frigate  sent  his  boats  with  thirty 
men  and  took  her.  But  the  merchant  ship  was 
grounded  near  the  entrance  of  the  port,  where  the 
frigate  could  not  safely  approach.  The  inhabi- 
tants made  a vigorous  attack  upon  her,  and  soon 
obliged  the  enemy  to  surrender.  The  vessel  was 
then  conducted  safely  into  port,  and  the  British 
marines  lodged  in  Ipswich  jail.  The  captain  of 
the  British  frigate  was  greatly  mortified  and  en- 
raged ; and  bombarded  the  town  of  Gloucester  for 
several  hours,  but  without  effecting  any  material 
injury  to  the  place. 

Although  no  affair  of  great  moment  took  place 
between  the  American  and  British  troops  during 
the  autumn  of  1775,  constant  vigilance  was  neces- 
sary in  each  ; and  several  slight  skirmishes  hap- 
pened near  the  lines  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  two 
armies.  Soon  after  the  works  were  erected  at 
Ploughed  hill,  a small  advanced  party  of  the  pro- 
vincials were  attacked  by  the  British  near  Charles- 
town neck  ; several  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and 
taken  ; and  one  of  the  Americans  was  shot  by  a 
cannon  ball  from  Bunker’s  hill,  from  which  place 
the  British  fired  on  the  occasion.  Some  time  in 
the  month  of  August,  a party  from  the  Roxbury 
division  also  advanced  to  the  extreme  southern 
fort  of  the  enemy  on  the  peninsula  leading  from 
Boston  to  the  former  place,  drove  the  guard  with- 
in the  lines  and  burnt  their  guard  house.*  When 
the  American  troops  were  discovered,  a heavy  fire 
commenced  against  them ; but  none  were  killed  or 
wounded.  About  the  same  period,  some  armed 
men  went  down  the  harbour  of  Boston,  under 


* Formerly  the  house  of  Mr.  Brown. 


62 


command  of  major,  afterwards  colonel,  Vose;  who 
cut  and  carried  off  all  the  barley  and  grain  at  Nan- 
tasket,  amounting  to  upwards  of  a thousand  bush- 
els. They  proceeded  to  the  lighthouse  near  Nan- 
tasket,  placed  at  the  entrance  of  Boston  harbour, 
and  destroyed  the  lanterns.  Those  of  Plymouth 
and  Cape  Ann  were  taken  away  or  destroyed, 
about  the  same  time,  in  pursuance  of  orders  from 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts.  The  British  at- 
tempted to  repair  the  Boston  lighthouse  and  lan- 
terns soon  after ; when  a party  of  the  Americans, 
of  about  two  hundred,  from  the  army  at  Rox- 
bury,  under  major  Tupper,  were  ordered  to  dis- 
possess them.  They  went  down  the  harbour  in 
light  boats,  in  the  evening ; and  after  a short  re- 
sistance from  the  men  employed  in  making  repairs, 
they  overpowered  them  and  brought  them  to  the 
camp  at  Roxbury.  Several  of  the  British  were 
wounded  and  killed  in  this  affair,  before  the  party 
surrendered. 

In  the  month  of  October,  two  floating  batteries 
were  prepared  at  Cambridge,  and  dropped  down 
Charles  river,  whence  they  fired  on  the  town  of 
Boston;  which  occasioned  great  alarm,  and  injured 
several  buildings.  Liberty  tree,  so  called,  growing 
in  the  southerly  part  of  Boston,  was  cut  down, 
about  this  period,  by  the  British,  or  some  of  the 
tory  inhabitants,  with  great  parade  and  exultation. 
But  it  was  observed  by  some  of  the  patriotic  citi- 
zens, ‘‘  that  the  American  tree  of  liberty  was  too 
strongly  rooted  in  our  soil  to  be  destroyed  by  all 
the  power  of  Great  Britain.” 

A British  frigate  and  several  transports  with 
troops,  were  dispatched  from  Boston,  in  the  month 
of  October,  to  compel  the  inhabitants  of  Falmouth, 


in  Maine,*  to  furnish  spars  for  the  fleet  at  the 
former  place,  and  other  articles  which  could  be 
obtained  in  that  quarter,  if  desired  by  the  Bri- 
tish ; with  directions,  on  a refusal,  to  destroy  the 
town.  The  captain  of  the  frigate,  on  arriving  in 
that  harbour,  sent  word  to  the  inhabitants  to  fur- 
nish the  articles,  and  to  submit  quietly  to  all  his 
requisitions,  or  to  expect  an  immediate  cannonade 
from  his  ship,  and  the  landing  of  marines  from  the 
transports,  for  the  threatened  work  of  destruction. 
A meeting  of  the  people  was  called  forthwith, 
who  requested  leave  to  remove  their  families  and 
furniture,  and  desired  the  suspension  of  the  intend- 
ed attack  until  the  following  morning.  They  re- 
solved not  to  comply  with  the  requisition,  and 
only  desired  a few  hours  to  save  their  families 
from  ruin.  The  haughty  Briton  so  far  yielded,  as 
to  allow  them  until  the  next  morning  to  retire 
from  the  town.  A heavy  bombardment  immedi- 
ately after  took  place,  and  almost  the  whole  of 
this  flourishing  seaport  was  destroyed  by  the  Bri- 
tish troops.  About  140  dwelling  houses  and  250 
stores  were  burnt ; besides  much  wanton  destruc- 
tion of  other  property. 

About  this  time,  Bristol,  in  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island,  but  formerly  within  the  colony  of  Plymouth, 
was  invaded  by  a British  naval  force  from  New- 
port, consisting  of  three  large  ships  of  war,  and 
several  tenders  and  transports.  Some  of  the  prin- 
cipal citizens  were  ordered  to  come  on  board  the 
commodore’s  ship;  but  they  declined,  and  a heavy 
cannonade  immediately  ensued  against  the  town. 
The  meeting  house,  court  house,  and  many  dwell- 


Since  called  Portland. 


64 


ing  houses  were  much  injured.  The  people  were 
in  great  jeopardy  and  attempted  to  make  some 
terms  with  the  British.  Sheep  and  cattle  were 
offered,  which  were  supposed  to  be  their  object ; 
these  were  accepted,  and  other  articles  of  provi- 
sions taken  away  by  force.  The  conduct  of  the 
British  commodore  was  severely  censured  ; and  it 
was  certainly  a deviation  from  that  of  an  honour- 
able enemy. 

The  inhabitants  of  Boston,  who  had  left  the 
town,  were  authorised  by  the  legislature  to  meet 
at  Watertown,  in.  September  of  this  year,  and 
chose  a representative  in  the  place  of  S.  Adams,* 
who  was  then  attending  the  continental  Congress 
at  Philadelphia.  The  other  delegates  from  Mas- 
sachusetts this  year,  were  John  Hancock,  John 
Adams,  and  Robert  T.  Paine.  Congress  was  in 
session  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  after  April. 
The  last  of  July  they  adjourned  for  a few  weeks, 
but  assembled  again  the  first  of  September.  Mr. 
Hancock  was  elected  president  of  that  patriotic 
and  truly  respectable  assembly,  in  October,  in  the 
room  of  Peyton  Randolph  of  Virginia,  who  died 
suddenly  in  Philadelphia,  while  attending  on  the 
public  service. 

The  general  congress  provided  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a continental  Post  Office  at  this  period, 
and  placed  Dr.  Franklin  at  the  head  of  the  de- 
partment. The  plan  was  soon  put  into  operation 
from  Georgia  to  Maine,  and  greatly  facilitated  the 
early  communication  of  important  intelligence  from 
one  end  of  the  colonies  to  the  other. 

The  legislative  assembly  of  Massachusetts, 


* Mr.  Adams  was  chosen  Secretary  of  Massachusetts  in 
.Tidy,  and  Perez  Morton  deputy  Secretary. 


65 


which  met  and  organized  on  the  I9th  of  July,  had 
various  important  duties  to  perform,  and  many- 
serious  difficulties  to  meet,  in  establishing  civil 
authority  through  the  Province,  and  drawing  forth 
its  resources  for  the  protection  of  the  country. 
They  had  to  provide  for  the  regular  administra- 
tion of  the  laws,  for  paying  a large  body  of  troops, 
who  were  in  the  service  of  the  colony  nearly  four 
months,  previously  to  the  day  they  were  taken 
into  the  pay  of  the  continent.  New  recruits  were 
to  be  collected  in  a few  months,  and  clothing  and 
fire  arms  would  be  necessary  for  immediate  use. 
The  persons  selected  for  the  Executive  Council 
were  justly  entitled  to  the  confidence  of  their 
fellow  citizens.  They  were  known  to  be  patriotic, 
intelligent,  firm  and*"  prudent.  Great  harmony 
subsisted  between  the  Council  and  the  House  of 
Representatives.  One  instance  only  is  mentioned 
of  the  contrary.  The  Council  supposed  they  had 
the  sole  right  to  appoint  to  civil  and  military 
office ; but  the  House  claimed  a voice  in  the  selec- 
tion. The  Council  yielded  to  the  wishes  of  the 
Representatives,  “for  the  sake  of  peace  and  it 
was  possible,  that,  in  some  cases,  the  members  of 
the  House  had  a knowledge  of  characters,  which 
the  Council  did  not  possess.  But  it  clearly  belong- 
ed to  the  executive  part  of  government  to  make 
the  appointment  of  civil  and  judicial  officers.  The 
military  officers  were  at  this  time  generally  de- 
signated by  a committee  of  the  Assembly,  though 
the  council  signed  their  commissions.  Afterward 
the  officers  of  the  army  were  appointed  by  the 
commander  in  chief.  All  the  commissions  of  per- 
sons who  had  been  appointed  by  the  Governor 
and  former  council,  were  by  law  declared  to  be 
VOL.  II.  9 


66 


Vacated  and  null.  New  judges  of  courts  of  com- 
mon pleas  and  justices  of  the  peace  were  now 
appointed  ; the  oath  formerly  taken  by  public 
officers  was  dispensed  with,  and  another  provided 
and  required,  which  expressed  allegiance  only  to 
the  existing  authority  of  the  Province.  Judges 
were  appointed  for  the  Superior  Court  of  Judica- 
ture in  November,  being  John  Adams,  William 
Cushing,  N.  P.  Sargent,  William  Reed,  and  Ro- 
bert T.  Paine.  Sargent,  Reed  and  Paine  de- 
clined ; and  Jedldiah  Foster  and  James  Sullivan, 
were  appointed  in  their  stead,  a few  months  after. 

Vessels  were  sent  during  the  autumn  to  the  West 
Indies  by  individual  adventurers,  with  the  en- 
couragement of  the  legislature,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  a supply  of  gun-powder.  The  American 
army  was  long  deficient  in  this  necessary  article,  to 
a most  alarming  degree.  It  was  not  to  be  obtained 
to  any  large  amount  in  any  part  of  the  United  Co- 
lonies. The  people  were  prohibited  by  the  Ge- 
neral Court,  from  firing  at  birds,  or  other  game, 
or  at  marks,  and  for  sport,  under  a heavy  penalty. 
As  yet,  the  plan  projected  sometime  before  of 
having  powder  mills,  had  not  been  completed- 
The  object  was  not  relinquished ; but  it  required 
time  to  obtain  the  desired  fruits  of  their  labours. 

The  General  Assembly  of  Massachusetts  appli- 
ed to  the  Continental  Congress,  in  October,  for  a 
reimbursement  of  a part  of  the  great  expenses  in- 
curred by  the  province  for  the  common  welfare, 
after  the  battle  of  Lexington.  The  colony  had 
paid  10,000/.  for  provisions  and  necessary  military 
articles  for  its  troops,  during  the  period  which 
elapsed  from  April  19th,  to  the  first  of  August. 
The  wages  due  to  the  Massachusetts  troops  for 


67 


the  same  period,  being  from  9,000  to  12,000  the 
greater  part  of  that  time,  amounted  to  upwards 
of  65,000/.  Their  clothing,  to  16,000/;  and  one 
hundred  and  seventy  barrels  of  powder  had  been 
purchased  and  distributed  through  the  towns  on 
the  sea  coast  exposed  to  the  enemy,  and  who  had 
requested  the  means  of  self  defence.  The  colo- 
ny had  2,000  men  in  their  service,  the  greater 
part  of  the  season,  at  different  stations  on  the  At- 
lantic shores,  as  the  people  were  constantly  ex- 
posed to  plunder,  and  it  was  wished  to  prevent 
the  British  from  collecting  supplies  for  the  army 
in  Boston.  A large  amount  w^as  advanced  for 
these  purposes : and  the  public  treasury  of  the 
colony  was  also  frequently  drawn  upon,  to  supply 
the  wants  of  the  unfortunate  inhabitants  of  Bos- 
ton, who  were  obliged  to  leave  their  homes  and 
all  their  property,  and  to  depend  upon  the  contri- 
butions of  the  country  for  immediate  support. 
Their  services  and  zeal  in  the  cause  of  liberty 
were  justly  appreciated  ; and  their  distressed  con- 
dition deeply  commiserated.  The  Continental 
Congress  advanced  to  Massachusetts,  at  this  lime, 
the  sum  of  133,000/. 


fiS 


CHAPTER  III. 

Views  of  the  Colonies  September  1775  . . . Expedition  to  Quebec  by  way 
of  Kennebec.  . . Unsuccessful . , . Armed  Vessels.  . . British  ships  cap- 
tured . . . Captain  Manly  . . . Treachery  . . . Church  . , , Militia  called 
out  . , . Colonel  Knox  brings  cannon  from  Tyconderoga  . . . Resolve  of 
Representatives  justifying  a resort  to  arms  , . . Meditated  attack  on  Bos- 
ton . . . Dorchester  heights  fortified  . . . Conduct  of  Washington  ap- 
proved by  Congress  . . . Militia  organized  , . . Nantucket  . . . Suspension 
of  civil  suits  . . . Refugees  . . . Regiment  raised  for  Quebec. 

Although  the  people  of  Massachusetts  and  of 
the  other  colonies  had  now  become  exasperated 
by  the  arbitrary  plans  of  the  British  ministry,  and 
the  resort  to  force,  to  carry  their  plans  of  oppres- 
sion into  execution ; and  although  they  were  de- 
termined to  defend,  to  the  utmost,  the  constitu- 
tional liberties  of  the  country,  they  had  not  yet 
given  up  all  hope  of  reconciliation  with  the  pa- 
rent state  : They  had  not  yet  absolutely  resolved 
upon  Independence.  They  had  some  belief  that 
administration  would  retract  of  its  despotic  pur- 
poses of  coercion ; that  public  opinion  in  England 
would  be  in  their  favour ; and  that  the  determi- 
nation already  manifested  to  defend  themselves  by 
force,  would  induce  the  British  government  to 
change  its  infatuated  councils,  and  to  listen  to  the 
claims  of  justice  and  humanity.  It  was  not  their  pur- 
pose to  yield,  or  to  relax  in  their  efforts ; but  they 
were  still  willing  to  supplicate. for  redress,  and  to  de- 
sist from  all  opposition  upon  sufficient  assurance  of 


69 


the  restoration  of  their  ancient  charter  rights.  They 
were  not  desirous  of  separation ; nor  could  they 
but  foresee  the  possible  and  not  improbable  fail- 
ure of  success  in  their  resistance,  and  anticipate 
the  punishment  which  awaits  defeat  in  a civil  con- 
test. They  had  indeed,  resolved,  deliberately 
resolved,  never  to  abandon  their  liberties ; but 
they  were  not  so  desirous  of  independence,  as  to 
refuse  all  offers  of  reconciliation,  if  consistent  with 
the  enjoyment  of  the  privileges  which  they  claim- 
ed as  their  birth-right.  Public  addresses  and  re- 
solutions both  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Massa- 
chusetts of  the  Continental  Congress  fully  justify 
these  remarks.  They  still  professed  to  be  acting 
on  the  defensive,  and  called  themselves  subjects  of 
the  crown  of  Great  Britain.  Had  the  plan  of  Pitt, 
and  other  friends  of  civil  liberty  in  Parliament 
been  adopted,  of  recalling  the  ministerial  army,  and 
repealing  the  late  arbitrary  laws,  the  colonies 
would  not  have  urged  a separation. — But  the  con- 
duct of  the  British  government  gave  little  hope  of  a 
reunion,  indeed,  upon  conditions  compatible  with  the 
liberties  of  America.  It  seemed  to  have  been  the 
opinion  of  the  ministry  for  several  years,  that  the 
people  in  the  colonies  were  subjects  of  the  British 
Empire,  for  the  purposes  of  obedience,  and  of  sub- 
mission under  any  burdens  it  might  impose ; but 
not  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Englishmen.  The  colonists  were  too  wise  and  too 
much  attached  to  civil  freedom  to  admit,  that  there 
existed  a right  to  govern,  without  the  consent  of 
the  people  by  tlieir  representatives,  and  according 
to  the  principles  of  the  constitution.  It  was  true, 
. that  many  eminent  statesmen  in  England,  were  op- 
posed to  the  claims  set  up  by  administration  of  an 


70 


absolute  authority  over  the  Americans,  without 
their  being  represented  in  parliament;  and  who 
contended  that  the  colonial  legislatures  had  power 
to  a great  extent,  for  all  the  purposes  of  self  go- 
vernment, so  their  laws  were  not  repugnant  to  the 
constitution  and  laws  of  Great  Britain.  But  men 
of  such  just  sentiments  were  comparatively  few  in 
the  parent  state;  and  their  voice  was  scarcely 
heard  in  the  councils  of  the  nation.  The  men  then 
in  power,  and  in  favour  with  the  king,  were  re- 
solved that  the  colonies  should  submit  ‘‘  in  all  cases 
whatever,”  to  the  requisitions  and  laws  of  the  Bri- 
tish parliament.*  They  had  not  indeed  expected 
such  a formidable  opposition  to  their  measures  as 
appeared ; for  they  supposed  the  colonies  without 
resources  for  a serious  resistance  to  the  govern- 
ment ; and  they  had  been  deceived  by  the  repre- 
sentation, that  it  was  only  a few  ambitious  men 
who  were  opposed  to  the  conduct  of  administra- 
tion. 

The  affair  at  Concord,  and  still  more,  the  des- 
perate resolution  manifested  by  the  provincials  at 
Charlestown  to  resist  force  by  force  ; and  the  for- 
mation of  a continental  army  at  Cambridge ; must 
have  convinced  the  British  administration,  that  the 
Americans  would  not  yield,  while  they  had  ability 
to  resist ; and  that  an  immense  physical  force  was 
necessary  to  subdue  them.  The  measures  of  the 
rhinisters  were  now,  more  than  ever,  condemned 
by  the  friends  of  constitutional  liberty.  And  a few, 
who  had  not  expected  so  much  union  among  the 
colonists  nor  so  much  courage  in  opposition  to  go- 

* A Petition  from  the  General  Congress  of  July  1775,  pre^ 
sented  to  the  king  in  September,  he  refused  even  to  hear. 


7i 


vernment,  were  in  favour  of  allowing  some  of  the 
claims  preferred  bj  them.  The  ministry  were 
not  prepared  to  yield,  in  any  part,  the  authority 
they  had  assumed  over  the  people  of  America  ; 
and  it  was  determined  to  augment  their  forces,  in 
the  hope  that  the  colonies  would  be  discouraged, 
and  that  some,  under  apprehensions  of  defeat  and 
subjugation,  would  return  to  their  allegiance  to  the 
parent  state.  Aware  of  this  determination  of  the 
British  cabinet,  the  colonies  had  no  alternative 
presented  to  their  choice,  but  servile  submission, 
or  resolute  resistance. 

An  expedition  was  projected  by  the  northern 
colonies  in  the  summer  of  1775,  with  the  approba- 
tion of  the  Continental  Congress,  to  invade  Cana- 
da, in  the  expectation  of  meeting  with  the  general 
support  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  province,  of 
making  an  easy  conquest  of  Montreal  and  Quebec, 
of  securing  the  military  stores  in  that  quarter,  and 
of  guarding  the  settlements  in  the  northwestern 
parts  of  New  England  from  the  ravages  both  of 
the  English  and  Indians.  This  was  considered  an 
important  object,  at  an  early  period.  Soon  after 
the  affair  at  Lexington  and  Concord,  when  it  was 
found  the  British  would  attempt  to  bring  the  co- 
lonies to  submission  by  an  armed  force,  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  Massachusetts  adopted  mea- 
sures to  take  possession  of  the  forts  on  Lake 
Champlain,  and  to  prevent  the  incursion  of  the  Bri- 
tish in  that  quarter.  The  people  of  Connecticut, 
of  New  York,  and  those  on  the  New  Hampshire 
grants,  so  called,  (now  Vermont)  agreed  in  tlie  im- 
portance of  the  measure ; and  united,  with  Arnold, 
Easton  and  Brown  from  Massachusetts,  in  an  at- 
tack upon  the  British  posts  in  that  quarter.  The 


72 


success  which  attended  the  enterprize  has  been 
already  mentioned.  At  a later  period,  and  some 
time  in  the  month  of  August,  the  Continental  Con- 
gress was  impressed  with  a conviction  of  the  policy 
of  taking  possession  of  Canada,  or  of  sending  a 
force  to  the  lake  sufficient  to  awe  the  British.  Ge- 
neral Schuyler  was  appointed  commander  in  chief 
in  that  region ; and  the  brave  Montgomery  was 
made  second  in  command.  Massachusetts  furnish- 
ed a number  of  troops  for  the  department ; and 
colonels  Easton  and  major  Brown  from  Berkshire 
county  were  among  the  chief  officers.  They  had 
acquired  a high  reputation  for  military  skill  and 
bravery  in  the  first  expedition,  in  May ; and  it 
was  not  forfeited  by  any  neglect  or  inattention,  at 
a later  season,  when  the  American  forces  were  in- 
creased and  put  under  the  command  of  the  heroic 
Montgomery.*  Fort  Chamblee  was  taken  by  a 
detachment  under  major  Brown,  in  October  ; and 
a large  quantity  of  military  stores  was  found  in 
the  place,  which  w^as  a great  acquisition  to  the 
American  army.  Soon  after  this,  the  fortress  of 
St.  John’s  was  captured  by  Montgomery;  and  the 
city  of  Montreal  also  surrendered  to  his  victorious 
arms.  A committee  of  Congress  was  sent  to  in- 
quire into  the  state  of  the  northern  army  at  this 
time  ; one  of  whom  was  R.  T.  Paine  of  Massachu- 
setts. 

Massachusetts  assisted  in  this  expedition  against 
Canada,  not  only  by  furnishing  a portion  of  the 
troops  under  Montgomery  and  Schuyler  in  Sep- 
tember and  October,  on  lake  Champlain ; but  a 

* Montgomery  was  really  the  chief  in  command  ; general 
Schuyler  was  sick  the  greater  part  of  the  campaign. 


I 


73 


party  of  1200  men  was  sent  from  the  camp  at 
Cambridge  in  the  month  of  September,  by  the 
Avay  of  Kennebec  river,  to  co-operate  with  those 
already  at  Montreal,  in  an  attack  upon  Quebec,  the 
capital  of  the  province.  These  men  belonged 
chiefly  to  Massachusetts.  Some,  indeed,  were  from 
New  Hampshire  and  some  from  Connecticut.  Ar- 
nold of  Rhode  Island,  lately  appointed  a general, 
who  five  months  before,  had  been  sent  to  lake 
Champlain  by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massa- 
chusetts, to  act  in  concert  with  some  troops  from 
the  county  of  Berkshire  and  from  Connecticut,  was 
selected  to  command  them.  They  embarked  at 
Newbury,  and  sailed  up  the  Kennebec  river,  about 
fifty  miles.  Their  baggage  was  conveyed  in  boats 
still  higher  on  the  river;  when  they  forced  their 
way  through  an  untrodden  wilderness  one  hundred 
and  twenty  miles  farther,  to  the  British  settle- 
ments in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Lawrence.  About 
three  hundred  of  the  men  returned  from  Kenne- 
bec, on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  the  passage, 
and  the  scarcity  of  provisions.  Nine  hundred  per- 
severed, amidst  severe  sufferings  and  appalling  ob^ 
stacles.  Montgomery  had  notice  of  this  detach- 
ment from  Cambridge,  and  pushed  on  to  Quebec, 
with  only  a few  troops,  expecting  more  would  soon 
follow,  and  hoping  that  the  inhabitants  of  Quebec 
would  not  make  a formidable  resistance  to  the 
Americans,  who  went  to  them  rather  as  friends 
than  as  enemies.  He  was  too  brave  and  too  san- 
guine of  success  to  suffer  any  delay,  by  such  prepa- 
rations as  prudence  might  have  dictated.  Being 
joined  by  the  party  under  Arnold,  though  the  men 
were  much  fatigued,  and  the  whole  American  force 
insufficient  to  justify  an  attack  upon  a place  sc 
voL>  n.  10 


74 


strongly  fortified  as  Quebec,  he  hesitated  not  to 
make  an  assault  upon  the  city.  The  attempt  was 
unsuccessful.  He  fell  soon  after  the  attack  began  ; 
Arnold  also  was  wounded ; and  the  Americans 
were  obliged  to  retire  from  the  siege  as  the  only 
means  of  saving  any  part  of  the  American  troops. 
The  only  fault  which  could  attach  to  the  conduct  of 
Montgomery  in  this  unfortunate  affair,  was  a degree 
of  imprudence,  in  not  waiting  for  a reinforcement 
and  making  more  efficient  preparations  for  the  as- 
sault. He  died  gloriously  in  the  cause  of  Ameri- 
ca, and  her  citizens  will  never  forget  to  honour 
his  memory  with  their  warmest  admiration.  The 
troops  from  Massachusetts  suffered  severely  in 
this  defeat.  A series  of  misfortunes  followed  in 
Canada ; and  in  the  spring  following  the  British 
regained  most  of  the  places  which  had  been  taken 
from  them  by  the  colonial  army. 

The  citizens  of  Massachusetts  soon  perceived 
the  advantages  which  would  probably  arise  in  em- 
ploying armed  vessels  on  the  coasts,  to  prevent 
the  British  in  Boston  from,  collecting  provisions  at 
any  places  accessible  by  them,  and  to  capture  the 
enemy’s  ships  loaded  with  military  articles.  As 
the  besieged  army  in  Boston  could  not  obtain  pro- 
visions from  the  country  by  land,  they  were  ob- 
liged to  fit  out  small  vessels,  which  committed 
depredations  on  the  people  in  several  towns  on 
the  coast.  Transports  were  also  frequently  ar- 
riving from  England  with  provisions,  men  and  mili- 
tary stores.  The  General  Court  voted  to  build 
or  purchase  ten  vessels,  and  appropriated  50,000/, 
for  the  purpose.  Some  enterprizing  individuals 
also,  with  the  consent  of  the  civil  authority  of  the 
province,  fitted  vessels,  at  their  own  charges,  to 


75 


engage  the  enemy’s  ships.  And  in  the  following 
year,  the  Continental  Congress  ordered  several 
frigates  to  be  built  for  the  service  of  the  country. 
Some  of  the  armed  vessels  belonging  to  Massa- 
chusetts were  very  successful  in  their  first  cruises. 
During  the  months  of  November  and  December, 
(1775)  several  large  and  valuable  ships  were  cap- 
tured within  a short  distance  of  the  harbour  of 
Boston:  and  some  smaller  vessels  which  had  sailed 
from  that  port  to  collect  articles  of  provision, 
were  taken,  as  they  were  returning  with  the  fruits 
of  their  depredations.  Captain  Manly,  in  a pro- 
vincial brig,  took  three  very  valuable  vessels 
bound  into  Boston  harbour,  in  the  course  of  a few 
weeks  : one  of  which  had  a full  cargo  of  ord- 
nance, fire  arms,  and  other  military  stores,  of 
which  the  American  troops  were  in  great  need  : 
and  one  loaded  with  various  kinds  of  provisions, 
which  were  at  once  acceptable  to  the  provincials, 
and  a severe  loss  to  the  British.  This  enterpriz- 
ing  and  patriotic  naval  hero,  with  some  others 
who  engaged  in  similar  pursuits  of  almost  equal 
intrepidity,  rendered  important  service  to  the 
colony,  and  to  the  continent.  During  the  resi- 
dence of  the  British  troops  in  Boston,  these  nauti- 
cal adventurers  were  very  vigilant,  and  captured 
a great  number  of  vessels  bound  to  that  place, 
which  occasioned  much  distress  to  the  besieged 
army.  In  several  instances  they  discovered  un- 
common spirit  and  courage  ; and,  on  meeting  a 
vessel  of  equal  force,  Avere  always  victorious. 
Captain  Manly  was  so  much  dreaded  by  the  Bri- 
tisn,  that  an  armed  vessel  of  superior  force  was 
sent  out  from  Boston  to  seize  him.  On  coming 
out  of  the  harbour  of  Plymouth,  in  .January  1776, 


he  was  watched  and  pursued  bj  the  British  ship ; 
and  he  ran  his  vessel,  ashore  near  the  mouth  of 
north  river  in  Scituate,  to  avoid  capture.  The 
British  tired  upwards  of  300  guns,  after  he  was  on 
shore  ; and  sent  two  boats  filled  with  men  to  burn 
the  American  brig.  But  the  crew  and  the  people 
in  the  vicinity  defended  her.  She  was  removed 
the  next  day,  without  receiving  much  injury  ; and 
w^as  soon  fitted  for  useful  service. 

In  October  of  this  year,  an  act  of  treacherous  in- 
tercourse was  discovered,  in  Dr.  Benjamin  Church, 
v/ho  was  a member  of  the  General  Court,  one  of 
the  committee  of  safety,  and  who  had  long  been 
esteemed  as  a most  zealous  friend  of  the  liberties 
of  America;  which  excited  much  surprise  and  in- 
dignation. He  was  a representative  from  the 
town  of  Boston  : and  the  treasonable  conduct,  of 
which  he  was  accused,  and  finally  convicted,  was 
holding  correspondence  with  a British  officer  in 
Boston,  and  communicating  information  by  letters 
written  in  characters  known  only  to  each  other, 
respecting  the  weakness  of  the  American  army 
and  its  deficiency  in  military  stores.  There  was, 
indeed,  no  direct  attempt  or  promise,  on  his  part, 
to  betray  the  army  or  to  introduce  spies  into  the 
American  camp;  but  the  correspondence  was  alto- 
gether unjustifiable.  The  manner  in  which  it  was 
conducted  afforded  proof,  that  his  views  were 
friendly  to  the  British;  and  there  was  no  doubt, 
that,  had  he  not  been  detected,  he  would  have 
proceeded  to  real  acts  of  treason.  A short  time 
before  his  letter  was  intercepted,  which  gave  evi- 
dence of  his  improper  intercourse  with  the  enemy, 
he  had  been  into  Boston,  on  pretence  of  some  ur- 
gent family  concerns ; and  it  was  known  that  he 


77 


had  a private  interview  with  general  Gage."^  Dr. 
Church  was  arrested  by  order  of  general  Wash- 
ington, and  kept  in  confinement  for  several  weeks, 
until  the  General  Court  should  again  meet.  After 
some  time,  the  letter  which  had  been  intercepted, 
but  which  no  one  could  interpret  to  whom  it  was 
first  shown,  was  decyphered  by  the  learned  and 
reverend  Dr.  West  of  Dartmouth.  A court  of 
enquiry,  instituted  by  general  Washington,  found 
him  guilty  of  a criminal  correspondence  with  the 
enemy  ; but  inflicled  no  punishment  upon  him. 
When  the  assembly  was  in  session,  he  was  brought 
before  the  House  of  Representatives ; was  accus- 
ed and  convicted  of  improper  conduct,  inconsistent 
with  the  character  both  of  a patriot  and  of  a 
member  of  the  House;  and  was  thereupon  de- 
prived of  his  seat.  He  was  kept  in  confinement 
for  some  time,  but  was  afterwards  released  by  ad- 
vice of  the  Continental  Congress : when  he  went 
to  the  enemy  at  Newport,  and  thence  to  some 
part  of  the  West  Indies. 

The  general  Court  of  Massachusetts  was  in 
session  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  after  it  was 
organized  in  July.  There  was  an  adjournment  of 
a few  weeks  in  September,  and  another  for  a short 
time  in  November.  The  Executive  Council  was 
sitting  the  whole  season,  with  the  intermission  of  a 

* Soon  after  Lexington  battle,  when  the  committee  of 
safety  were  sitting  in  Cambridge  at  the  house  of  J.  Hastings, 
Dr.  Church  said  he  was  determined  to  go  into  Boston  the 
next  day,  the  president,  Dr.  Warren,  interrogated  ‘‘  are  you 
serious  ? they  will  certainly  hang  you,  if  they  catch  you.” 
Church  replied,  “ I am  serious  ; I am  determined  to  go,  let 
the  consequence  be  what  it  may.”  He  was  to  pretend  to 
be  after  medicine  for  the  wounded  men.  He  went  into  Bos- 
ton, accordingly  ; and  visited  general  Gage,  without  restraint. 


78 


very  few  days.  General  Washington,  in  his  letters 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  bore  testimony  to 
their  zeal  and  activity  in  complying  with  all  his 
requests.  Particularly,  when  calling  for  the  militia 
of  Massachusetts,  as  he  had  occasion  to  do  several 
times  in  the  course  of  December  1775,  and  Janu- 
ary and  February  1776,  he  said,  he  had  many 
proofs  of  the  patriotism  and  promptitude  of  the 
assembly,  and  of  the  alacrity  of  the  people,  in  ful- 
filling his  requisitions.  On  one  occasion,  general 
Lee  accused  the  Council  of  want  of  promptness 
in  furnishing  some  men  which  had  been  called 
for ; but  there  appeared  to  be  no  reason  for  the 
charge.  When  the  term  for  which  the  American 
troops  had  engaged  was  about  to  expire,  in  the 
month  of  December,  most  of  which  at  this  time 
belonged  to  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  New 
Hampshire,  and  little  progress  was  made  in  re- 
cruiting for  the  ensuing  year,  general  Washington 
applied  to  the  civil  authority  of  Massachusetts  for 
5000  of  the  militia ; and  the  number  was  called  in, 
at  very  short  notice."^  Afterwards,  they  were 
retained  beyond  the  time  for  which  they  were  first 
required,  as  a considerable  number  of  men  from 
New  Hampshire  had  gone  home,  and  the  new 
recruits  were  but  comparatively  few.  In  the 
month  of  January,  six  other  regiments  of  militia 
in  Massachusetts  were  raised,  to  strengthen  the 
army  at  Cambridge,  under  general  Washington; 

* The  critical  situation  of  the  American  army  at  this  time, 
will  appear,  by  an  extract  from  a letter  of  general  Washing- 
ton to  Congress.  “ It  is  not  in  the  pages  of  history,  perhaps, 
to  furnish  a case  like  this — To  maintain  a post  for  six  months 
within  musket  shot  of  the  enemy,  without  ammunition,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  disband  an  army  and  to  recruit  another, 
within  that  distance  of  12,000  regular  disciplined  troops.” 


79 


for  he  was  at  this  time  meditating  an  attack  upon 
the  British  in  Boston,  and  the  regular  troops  for 
the  year’s  service  amounted  to  scarcely  9,000. 
These  were  enlisted  for  the  term  of  three  months; 
and  without  them  he  would  have  had  little  confi- 
dence either  for  offensive  or  defensive  operations. 
The  companies  in  the  particular  service  of  the 
colony,  stationed  at  various  places  on  the  sea 
coast,  were  also  marched  to  the  camp  at  Cam- 
bridge or  Roxbury,  by  the  special  request  of  the 
commander  in  chief.  Fortifications  were  likewise 
built  at  Cape  Ann,  at  the  expense  of  the  province. 
During  a great  part  of  the  winter,  Massachusetts 
had  nearly  10,000  men  in  military  service,  either 
as  a part  of  the  continental  army,  or  as  provincial 
troops,  to  guard  and  protect  the  sea  coast. 

A small  party  of  the  Americans,  under  major 
Knowlton  of  Connecticut,  passed  from  Cobble 
Hill,  across  the  mill  dam,  to  Charlestown,  in  the 
month  of  January,  and  attacked  the  advanced 
guard  near  the  western  base  of  Bunker  Hill.  They 
made  prisoners  of  several  of  the  British,  and  set 
fire  to  the  guard  house  ; and  retired  without  re- 
ceiving any  injury  from  the  enemy. 

In  January  ’76,  the  Council  and  House  of  As- 
sembly of  Massachusetts  issued  a proclamation, 
referring  to  the  oppressive  acts  of  the  British 
parliament  and  ministry  for  several  years  before, 
and  to  the  petitions  and  remonstrances  of  the 
people  and  representatives  of  that  and  of  the 
other  colonies  ; in  which  they  observe,  “ that  in 
every  government  there  must  exist  a supreme  and 
sovereign  power,  and  that  such  power  was  justly 
vested  in  the  great  body  of  the  people  ; that 
when  rulers  became  oppressive,  and  attempted  to 


impose  unconstitutional  burdens  upon  the  people, 
they  had  a right  to  resist,  and  the  rulers  forfeited 
all  just  claim  to  exercise  authority  : that  they  had 
adopted  all  peaceable  measures  in  the  constitu- 
tion to  obtain  justice,  which  had  been  denied,  and 
that  a resort  was  at  last  had  by  the  British  go- 
vernment to  compel  submission  by  force,  to  unjust 
and  oppressive  measures,  which  they  had  felt  to 
be  their  duty  to  themselves  and  to  posterity  to 
resist”  “It  was  the  will  of  Providence,”  they 
said,”  “ for  wise  and  righteous  ends,  that  this  co- 
lony should  be  singled  out,  by  the  enemies  of 
America,  as  the  first  object,  both  of  their  envy 
and  their  revenge  ; and  after  having  been  made 
the  subject  of  several  merciless  and  vindictive 
statutes,  one  of  which  was  intended  to  subvert  our 
constitution  by  charter,  it  is^made  the  seat  of  war. 
No  effectual  resistance  to  the  system  of  tyranny 
prepared  for  us  could  be  made  without  either 
instant  recourse  to  arms,  or  a temporary  suspension 
of  the  ordinary  poAvers  of  government.  To  the 
i last  of  these  evils,  in  hope  of  a speedy  reconcilia- 
tion with  Great  Britain  upon  equitable  terms,  the 
General  Congress  advised  us  to  submit.  And  we 
have  seen  a large  and  populous  colony  subsisting, 
for  more  than  a year,  in  great  harmony  and  order, 
under  such  suspension  of  the  powers  of  govern- 
ment.” They  then  referred  to  the  measures 
adopted  to  establish  and  maintain  the  civil  autho- 
rity, and  urge  the  people  to  obedience,  order, 
industry,  patriotism,  and  piety.  “An  army,  they 
said,  was  raised  for  the  protection  of  the  liberties 
of  the  country ; but  civil  power  was  essential  to 
the  maintenance  of  regulated  freedom,  and  should 
always  be  paramount  to  all  military  force.” 


. 81 


Colonel,  afterwards  General  Knox,  the  princi- 
pal officer  in  the  artillery,  belonging  to  Massachu- 
setts, with  the  spirit  and  enterprise  for  which  he 
was  justly  characterised  through  the  whole  war, 
engaged  in  an  expedition  of  great  labour  and  fa- 
tigue : but  which  was  of  important  service  to  the 
American  army.  By  order  of  general  Washington* 
he  went  to  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  month  of  No- 
vember, and  conveyed  to  Cambridge  the  cannon 
and  other  military  articles  and  stores,  to  a large 
amount,  which  had  been  taken  at  Tyconderoga 
and  Crown  point,  the  summer  before,  by  a small 
party  of  Americans  under  Arnold,  Allen,  Easton, 
and  Brown.  The  two  latter  officers  were  from 
the  county  of  Berkshire  in  Massachusetts,  and  the 
former  was  employed  and  commissioned  by  the 

* Instructions  from  general  Washington^  to  H.  Knox,  Esq. 
JYOV.  16,  1775.  HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMBRIDGE. 

“You  are  immediately  to  examine  into  the  state  of  the  ar- 
tillery of  the  army,  and  take  an  account  of  the  cannon,  mor- 
tars, shells,  lead,  and  ammunition  that  are  wanting.  You 
will  then  proceed  in  the  most  expeditious  manner  to  New- 
York ; and  there  apply  to  the  President  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  and  learn  of  him,  whether  Colonel  R.  left  any 
orders  respecting  these  articles,  and  procure  such  of  them  as 
can  possibly  be  had.  If  the  President  cannot  provide  imme- 
diately for  sending  them  on  here,  you  must  put  them  in  a pro- 
per channel  to  be  transported  with  the  greatest  dispatch,  be- 
fore you  leave  there.  After  you  have  procured  as  many  of 
these  necessaries  as  you  can,  you  must  go  on  to  general 
Schuyler  and  get  the  remainder  from  Tyconderoga,  Crown- 
point,  St.  Johns — and  if  it  should  be  necessary,  from  Quebec, 
qf  in  our  hands.  The  want  of  them  is  so  great,  that  no  trouble 
or  expense  must  be  spared  to  obtain  them.  I have  written  to 
general  Schuyler ; and  he  will  give  every  necessary  assist- 
ance that  they  may  be  had  and  forwarded  to  this  place  with 
the  utmost  dispatch.  I have  given  you  a warrant  upon  the 
paymaster  general  for  a thousand  dollars,  &c.” 

VOL.  II.  11 


82 


Provincial  Congress,  then  sitting  at  Watertown. 
Colonel  Knox  did  not  return  with  these  heavy 
stores  till  the  first  of  February,  and  it  was  a mat- 
ter of  surprise  that  he  should  have  accomplished 
his  purpose,  even  so  soon  ; as  the  way,  for  a great 
distance,  was  new  and  extremely  diificult  for  teams 
and  sleds  to  pass.  When,  at  Albany,  on  his  route 
to  the  lake,  he  received  a letter  from  tlie  Conti- 
nental Congress,  requesting  him  to  examine  the 
grounds  near  the  Hudson,  between  those  places, 
with  a view  to  the  erection  of  a line  of  forts,  to 
prevent  the  access  of  the  British  at  any  future 
time. 

The  ordnance  and  military  stores  furnished  for 
the  American  army  by  this  arduous  enterprize  of 
colonel  Knox,  and  by  the  capture  of  some  British 
store  ships  by  captain  Manly,  a short  time  before, 
encouraged  general  Washington  in  his  long  medi- 
tated plan  of  an  attack  upon  the  ministerial  troops 
in  Boston.  He  had  been  desirous  of  offensive  ope- 
rations against  the  besieged  army  in  that  place  for 
some  months.  He  wished  to  drive  them  from  the 
capital  of  Massachusetts,  and  hoped  so  to  weaken 
them,  if  he  could  not  succeed  in  the  capture  of  the 
whole  army,  as  to  convince  them  of  the  desperate 
nature  of  the  enterprize  in  which  they  were  en- 
gaged, of  subjugating  the  colonies  ; and  to  prevent 
their  falling  upon  any  other  part  of  America  with 
a sufficient  force  to  cause  danger  or  alarm.  But 
he  had  too  much  prudence  to  engage  in  an  enter- 
prize, glorious  as  its  issue  promised  to  his  ardent 
and  patriotic  mind  to  be,  when  there  was  so  much 
hazard,  which  might  be  highly  injurious  to  the 
country,  and  when  the  general  opinion  was  against 
such  an  attempt.  Some,  indeed,  were  of  opinion. 


83 


that  he  ought  to  have  made  an  attack  upon  the 
British  in  Boston.  And  there  was  a time,  when 
many  members  of  the  Continental  Congress  ex- 
pressed a hope  that  he  would  storm  the  town  of 
Boston,  where  the  English  troops  were  quartered, 
at  every  hazard.  Aware  of  tliese  expectations, 
and  sensible  of  his  great  responsibility,  Washing- 
ton was  resolved  to  make  the  attack;  but  the  offi- 
cers of  the  army,  to  whom  he  submitted  his  plan, 
convened  as  a council  of  war,  solemnly  decided 
against  the  expediency  of  the  measure.  He  too, 
it  appears,  had  some  doubts  as  to  the  prudence  of 
the  attempt.  The  most  of  the  troops  under  his 
command,  after  December,  wmre  new  recruits:  in 
reality  they  were  mere  militia,  and  without  proper 
discipline.  And  he  was  long  destitute  of  the  can- 
non necessary  for  such  an  attack,  as  well  as  of  the 
article  of  powder,  without  which  the  infantry  could 
not  be  expected  to  maintain  the  onset,  except  for 
a few  hours.  The  hope  of  success  must  have 
been  founded  upon  a calculation  of  miracles,  or  of 
utter  weakness  and  despondence  in  the  British. 
The  regular  troops  in  the  American  army  were 
not  so  numerous  as  those  of  the  British  in  Boston: 
and  most  of  these,  though  forming  part  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  had  engaged  in  the  service  within. a 
very  short  period  ; and  the  residue  of  his  force 
were  militia-men  called  out  in  the  exigenej^,  and  not 
to  be  relied  on  for  a formidable  attack  on  regular 
and  disciplined  troops.  But  with  all  his  prudence 
and  caution,  Washington  sometimes  thought  it  pro- 
per to  yield  to  public  expectation.  And  in  this 
case,  sensible  of  the  general  feeling  through  the 
continent,  he  tvas  resolved  to  make  an  attack  upon 
the  strong  hold  of  the  enemy,  if  circumstances 


84 


should  favour  such  an  enterprizc.  After  the  arri- 
val of  Knox  from  lake  Champlain,  with  the  cannon 
and  military  stores,  he  became  more  fixed  in  this 
purpose.  The  militia  were  called  in  from  the  dis- 
tance of  twelve  miles,  at  his  request,  an  order 
of  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  of  the  last  of 
February  ; although  there  was  then  nearly  five 
thousand  with  the  army  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury,  besides  a large  portion  of  the  continental 
troops  then  lately  enlisted  for  the  year.  Fire 
arms  and  powder  had  also  been  collected  by  the 
Provincial  Assembly,  a short  time  before,  for  the 
American  army,  at  the  urgent  call  of  the  comman- 
der in  chief. 

The  execution  of  the  plan  depended  upon  the 
severity  of  the  weather,  in  the  event  of  which  the 
attack  was  to  be  made  by  the  American  troops 
passing  over  on  the  ice  from  Cambridge  and  Se- 
wall’s  point  in  Brooklyne,  across  Charles  river 
and  landing  west  of  the  Common.  The  cold  was 
not  sufficiently  severe  after  the  month  of  January, 
to  make  a safe  way  for  the  passage  of  the  troops  : 
and  there  was  no  other  avenue  to  the  capital, 
which  was  believed  to  be  practicable.  A small 
part  of  the  British  troops  in  Boston  could  have 
easily  prevented  the  entrance  of  the  Americans 
by  the  way  of  the  peninsula  through  Roxbury. 
The  plan  w^as  matured,  had  the  season  favoured  its 
execution,  for  the  Americans  to  make  an  attack 
upon  Boston  in  two  divisions  under  generals  Sulli- 
van and  Greene,  the  whole  to  be  commanded  by 
major  general  Putnam.  This  intended  expedition 
failing,  it  was  determined  to  take  possession  of  the 
highlands  in  the  northeasterly  part  of  Dorchester, 
opposite  to  the  south  side  of  Boston,  and  distant, 

/ 


85 


in  a direct  course,  not  more  than  one  mile.  This 
was  accordingly  done,  in  the  night  of  the  fourth  of 
March,  being  Monday ; after  a heavy  cannonade 
against  Boston  for  three  days,  successively,  proba- 
bly with  the  design  to  divert  the  attention  of  the 
enemy. 

Major  general  Thomas  had  the  command  of  the 
troops  detached  for  this  arduous  service.  They 
passed  from  the  camp  at  Roxbury  to  the  high- 
lands in  Dorchester  with  great  caution,  under  cover 
of  the  night ; and  when  the  light  of  day  exposed 
them  to  the  view  of  the  British  in  Boston,  they  liad 
thrown  up  a sufficient  breast  work  for  protection 
and  security  in  prosecuting  the  object  of  their  en- 
terprize.  The  enemy  were  surprised  at  the  spec- 
tacle : and  there  seems  to  have  been  some  infatu- 
.ation  in  their  councils,  that  they  had  not  previous- 
ly taken  possession  of  such  an  important  post.  For 
general  Bourgoyne  and  the  British  admiral  had  often 
observed,  ‘‘  that,  if  the  rebels  should  possess  them- 
selves of  those  heights,  the  British  must  leave  the 
port  and  harbour  of  Boston.” 

Immediately  after  this  event,  the  British  general 
resolved  to  quit  his  situation  in  the  metropolis  of 
Massachusetts.  He  had  been  shut  up  within  very 
narrow  limits  for  about  ten  months.  He  had  ac- 
quired no  glory;  he  had  been  kept  in  fear  by  the 
undisciplined  troops  of  the  colonies,  which  he  and 
his  colleagues  had  affected  to  despise  ; and  his  men 
had  smTered  all  the  evils  of  a protracted  siege. 
General  Clinton  left  Boston  some  time  before  ; and 
proceeded  to  New  York,  where  governor  Tryon,  an 
advocate  for  the  British  ministry,  resided  and  retain- 
ed a degree  of  civil  authority  ; and  thence  he  sailed 
to  Carolina,  where  he  hoped  to  be  joined  by  those 


86 


who  were  friendly  to  the  cause  of  royalty.  Bour- 
goyne  returned  to  England  in  November  preced- 
ing, to  state  the  disasters  of  the  ministerial  army 
in  Massachusetts,  and  to  form  the  plan  of  attack 
in  some  other  part  of  America. 

The  conduct  of  general  Washington  during  his 
command  near  Boston,  was  fully  approved  by  the 
Continental  Congress,  in  a letter  which  was  ad- 
dressed to  him  after  the  British  evacuated  that 
place,  and  by  a resolution  which  they  ordered  to 
be  published.  They  commended  his  caution  and 
prudence,  and  his  great  attention  to  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  army  ; and  expressed  their  entire  satis- 
faction, that  he  Had  not  hazarded  the  welfare  of 
the  country,  by  attacking  a large  and  disciplined 
army,  with  a body  of  men,  however  brave,  who 
had  seen  little  military  service,  and  were  in  a great* 
measure  destitute  of  arms  and  ammunition.  There 
was  a period,  however,  during  the  siege,  after  he 
was  furnished  with  additional  means  which  justi- 
fied an  attack,  and  Washington  was  resolved  to 
strike  a blow  on  the  enemy,  powerful  as  they 
were,  if  circumstances  had  favoured  the  plan. 
While  he  meditated  an  attack,  every  facility  was 
afforded  him  by  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts, 
which  their  resources  would  supply.  They  grant- 
ed him  a loan  of  50,000/.,  when  he  was  without 
continental  funds  in  his  hands,  to  enable  him  to  pay 
the  troops,  who  would  otherwise  have  left  the 
service.  They  ordered  large  bodies  of  the  mili- 
tia at  three  distinct  periods  between  December 
1775  and  February  1776,  to  strengthen  the  Ame- 
rican army,  before  the  new  recruits  were  engaged 
for  the  ensuing  campaign.  For  a part  of  the  win- 
ter, a full  moiety  of  the  men  in  the  continental 


87 


army  belonged  to  Massachusetts.  The  sea  coasts 
in  many  places  being  exposed,  the  General  Court 
raised  several  companies,  also,  for  their  protection. 
Marblehead  was  furnished  with  military  stores,  and 
with  one  hundred  men,  at  the  expense  of  the  pro- 
vince. The  people  of  that  town  had  early  thrown 
up  batteries  for  their  defence,  as  the  harbour  was 
accessible  by  the  ships  of  the  enemy;  but  their 
great  losses  and  privations,  occasioned  by  the  war, 
left  them  without  the  ability  t^  furnish  and  man 
their  forts.  In  February  the  General  Court  order- 
ed that  twenty  field  pieces  be  procured,  and  a large 
quantity  of  powder  and  fire  arms  should  be  pur- 
chased for  the  use  of  their  troops,  wherever  they 
could  be  obtained.  Some  of  these  articles  were 
procured  soon  after  from  Connecticut  and  Rhode 
Island. 

The  militia  of  the  province  were  arranged  anew 
by  order  of  the  general  assembly  at  their  winter 
session  ; and  Massachusetts  proper  parcelled  into 
three  divisions.  John  Hancock,  James  Warren"^ 
and  Azer  Orne  were  appointed  major  generals. 
Officers  of  brigade,  and  field  officers  also,  were 
commissioned  through  the  colony.  A new  emission 
of  paper  bills  was  ordered,  to  a large  amount,  to 
meet  the  expenses  of  the  province,  with  a promise 
of  being  redeemed  by  the  taxes  for  1777,  1778 
and  1779.  V’^arious  sums  were  allowed  and  paid 
to  persons  who  suffered  losses  at  Lexington,  Con- 
cord and  Charlestown  ; and  grants  were  made  to 
such  as  were  wounded,  as  well  as  to  the  vvidows 
and  children  of  those  who  were  slain  in  the  battles 
at  those  places.  A proposition  was  made  during 

* General  Warren  declined, — B.  Lincoln  was  appointed  in 
his  place. 


88 


this  session  of  the  assembly  for  the  payment  of 
the  representatives  out  of  the  public  treasury  of 
the  province  ; but  it  did  not  meet  the  support  of 
the  majority  of  the  House.  They  considered  it 
most  proper,  that  each  town  should  pay  for  the 
attendance  of  its  deputies.  It  was  also  recom- 
mended to  every  town  to  choose  a committee  of 
correspondence,  inspection  and  safety,  distinct  from 
the  selectmen,  for  the  purpose  of  attending  exclu- 
sively to  political  concerns;  to  consult  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  province,  to  watch  the  conduct  of 
those  who  were  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  liber- 
ty ; and  to  be  ready  to  act  in  concert,  in  great  exi- 
gencies, for  the  defence  of  the  country.  A law 
passed  in  February,  not  however  without  some 
discussion  and  alterations  of  the  bill  first  report- 
ed, prohibiting  the  commencement  of  civil  suits  for 
the  space  of  three  months ; and  ordering  the  jus- 
tices of  the  county  courts  to  continue  actions  of 
that  kind,  to  a distant  day.  La^vs  of  this  nature  are 
often  indeed  in  prevention  of  justice  ; but  if  ever 
they  were  proper,  it  was  at  the  period,  when  the 
statute  of  Massachusetts  was  adopted  in  February 
1776;  for  there  had  been  no  commercial  enter- 
prise for  a year ; the  demands  upon  the  people  for 
public  purposes  had  been  most  extraordinary,  and 
many  were  entirely  unable  to  meet  the  payment 
of  their  just  debts. 

Complaint  was  made  to  the  General  Court, 
about  this  time,  that  some  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Nantucket  were  in  the  practice  of  furnishing  the 
enemy  with  provisions  from  that  island.  Most  of 
the  people  undoubtedly  were  innocent  of  such 
criminal  conduct;  but  some  of  them  were  proved 
to  be  guilty.  They  had  abused  the  license  given 


89 


# 


them  to  carry  provisions  from  the  main  to  that 
island  for  the  necessary  supply  of  its  own  popula- 
tion; and  had  furnished  the  British  army  in  Bos- 
ton with  many  vessel  loads.  One  Dr.  G was 

confined  at  Cambridge,  by  order  of  the  general 
assembly,  for  assisting  the  enemy  in  this  manner. 
Their  location  was  such,  that  it  was  proper  for 
them  to  decline  all  directly  hostile  movements 
against  the  British ; but  those  who  aided  the 
enemies  of  the  country,  from  motives  of  gain,  or 
from  attachment  to  the  ministerial  cause,  were 
justly  deserving  of  censure  and  punishment. 

It  was  at  the  same  session  of  the  legislative  as- 
sembly of  the  province,  that  a law  was  made  for 
confiscating  the  estates  of  those  citizens  who  had 
put  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  minis- 
terial party,  and  whose  conduct  gave  evidence  of 
their  hostility  to  measures  adopted  for  the  defence 
of  American  liberty.  The  law  suffered  some  altera- 
tions at  a subsequent  period,  but  was  continued 
substantially  the  same ; and  all  who  remained  with 
the  British  army,  or  retired  from  America  to 
England,  forfeited  their  estates  to  the  province. 

After  the  unfortunate  affair  at  Quebec,  though 
the  Americans  remained  in  the  country,  they  were 
not  in  a situation  to  act  on  the  offensive  against 
the  British.  And  there  was  an  apprehension,  that 
the  governor  of  Canada  would  avail  of  the  occa- 
sion to  collect  a powerful  force  of  Canadians  and 
Indians  and  make  a descent  upon  the  northern 
frontiers  of  New  England.  It  was  the  opinion  of 
general  Washington,  as  well  as  of  many  intelligent 
public  men  in  Massachusetts,  that  a reinforcement 
of  the  American  troops  in  that  department  should 
Immediately  be  made.  It  was  therefore  voted  by 
' VOL.  II.  12 


90 


the  general  assembly  to  raise  a regiment  for  that 
s[)eci(ic  purpose,  from  the  counties  of  Hampshire 
and  Berkshire  for  the  term  of  one  year.  This 
was  in  addition  to  the  men  already  enlisted  for 
the  continental  army,  in  pursuance  of  resolves  of 
Congress  of  Novenjber  J77r).  And  the  expense 
incurred  by  the  colony  in  raising  this  regiment, 
Avas  very  great,  on  account  of  clothing  and  the 
means  of  convevance  at  such  a severe  season  of 
the  year.  Specie  Avas  borrowed  by  individuals  for 
the  purpose,  as  they  Avere  going  into  the  province 
of  Canada,  Avhere  paper  Avould  not  pass.  Elisha 
Porter  Esq.*  Avas  appointed  to  the  command  of 
this  regiment : all  possible  dispatch  was  given  to 
enlist  and  organize  them  ; and  early  in  March  they 
proceeded  to  join  the  American  forces  under 
general  Arnold  near  Quebec.  The  Continental 
Congress  acknowledged  the  zeal  and  promptness 
of  Massachusetts,  in  furnishing  these  troops  for 
such  an  important  expedition. 

The  Intelligence  received  from  England  at  this 
time  respecting  the  policy  and  purposes  of  admin- 
istration towards  America,  was  not  of  a nature  to 
justify  any  hope  of  reconciliation,  but  upon  terms 
of  submission,  to  which  the  patriots  of  Massachu- 
setts and  of  the  other  colonies  could  never  accede. 
The  king,  in  a speech  from  the  throne  to  the  two 
houses  of  Parliament,  had  declared  “ his  subjects 
in  America  to  be  in  a state  of  rebellion,”  and  re- 
commended measures  “ to  reduce  them  to  uncon- 
ditional obedience.”  A large  majority  of  the 
members  approved  of  the  recommendation  of  his 


* Alner  Morgan.  Esq.  major  of  the  regiment  is  now  living, 
1825. 


91 


majesty.  A respectable  minority,  indeed,  protest- 
ed against  the  system  adopted  by  ministers  and 
sanctioned  by  the  crown;  and  the  people  of  Lon- 
don, Bristol  and  of  some  other  places  in  England 
petitioned  the  king  to  recal  his  troops  from  Mas- 
sachusetts, and  to  consent  to  the  claim  of  the 
colonists  to  their  ancient  charter  rights  and  privi- 
leges. But  it  was  evident,  that  administration 
would  not  restore  America  to  the  enjoyment  of 
civil  liberty  formerly  exercised,  but  would  pursue 
the  policy  already  begun  of  forcing  the  people  in 
the  colonies  to  abject  submission.  The  king  and 
his  ministers  supposed  the  Americans  were  resolv- 
ed on  independence.  And,  although  many  truly 
patriotic  statesmen  were  averse  from  such  a mea- 
sure, in  the  hope  that  a reconciliation  would  be 
effected,  yet  more  imbibed  the  opinion,  that  the 
arbitrary  conduct  of  the  parent  state  would  oblige 
them  to  adopt  it.  An  arduous  struggle  was  there- 
fore to  be  expected  ; and  all  the  resolution  and 
effort  of  the  country  they  perceived  would  be  de- 
manded for  the  crisis.  In  no  other  colony,  were 
there  so  many  of  the  Intelligent  and  influential 
citizens,  as  in  Massachusetts,  who  were  early  and 
decided  in  favour  of  this  important  step. 


92 


CHAPTER  IV. 

British  troops  leave  Boston ...  Public  Funeral  of  General  Warren... 
Washington’s  entrance  into  Boston  . . . Northern  Expedition  . . . Death  of 
General  Thomas  ...  Independence  proposed  ...  Troops  raised  for  de- 
fence of  the  Province  . . .Captain  Mugford  . . .British  ships  driven  from 
Boston  harbour  . . . Militia  to  reinforce  regular  army  . . . Spirit  of  Mas- 
sachusetts’ Legislature  . . . Great  efforts  and  sacrifices  . , . Independence 
declared  , . . Proposition  for  new  Constitution  ...  New  levies  of  Militia  . . 
Paper  money  depreciated. 

If  the  British  had  not  previously  determined  to 
leave  Boston,  where  they  had  suffered  so  much, 
and  where  they  had  little  hope  of  success  in  their 
object  of  subduing  the  Americans,  they  were  soon 
convinced  of  their  critical  situation,  after  the  for- 
tifications were  thrown  up  at  Dorchester  neck ; 
and  in  a few  days  they  accordingly  prepared  for  em- 
barking on  board  their  fleet.  The  British  admiral 
gave  it  as  his  opinion  to  general  Howe,  that  his 
ships  could  no  longer  remain  in  safety,  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  harbour;  and  that  all  vessels  pass- 
ing to  or  from  the  town  would  be  greatly  exposed. 
Howe  was  not  many  days  in  coming  to  a resolution 
to  convey  his  troops  to  some  other  part  of  Ame- 
rica: and  he  prevailed  on  the  selectmen  of  Boston, 
who  were  in  the  town,  to  request  general  Wash- 
ington to  suspend  the  cannonade,  which  had  been 
kept  up  for  several  days,  with  an  assurance  that 
the  British  army  was  preparing  for  their  depart- 
ure, A threat  was  more  than  intimated,  also,  that 


93 


if  the  cannonade  continued,  acts  of  retaliation  might 
be  expected,  by  destroying  the  property  of  the  in- 
habitants. But  neither  the  request  nor  the  threat 
was  regarded  ; and  the  British  general  was  con- 
vinced, that  his  safety  depended  on  a speedy  de- 
parture. He  formed  a plan,  however,  to  dislodge 
the  provincials  from  the  heights  of  Dorcliester,' 
but  was  not  successful  in  the  attempt.  A large 
body  of  British  troops  left  Boston  in  boats,  the  day 
after  the  Americans  began  their  fortifications,  with 
the  intention  to  land  at  the  easterly  point  of  Dor- 
chester and  attack  the  works  newly  erected.  But 
a heavy  storm  ensued  and  the  plan  was  relinquish- 
ed. Such  a project  had  been  expected  by  Wash- 
ington ; and  he  had  made  arrangements  to  invade 
Boston  from  Cambridge  in  the  event.  He  had  se- 
lected four  thousand  troops  for  the  purpose,  which 
were  to  land  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  town, 
when  a part  of  the  British  was  engaged  in  the 
meditated  assault  upon  Dorchester.  His  plan  was 
so  well  matured,  and  promised  so  glorious  an  issue, 
that  many  regretted  the  storm  which  interrupted 
the  British  troops  in  their  project  of  surprising  the 
forts  on  Dorchester  neck. 

The  day  after  the  Americans  took  possession  of 
the  heights  of  Dorchester,  and  when  an  attack 
from  the  British  was  apprehended,  general  Wash- 
ington visited  the  fortifications,  for  the  purpose  of 
inspecting  the  Avorks  and  giving  directions  in  per- 
son. To  inspire  the  troops,  he  observed  to  them, 
‘‘that  they  should  remember  that  it  was  the  fifth 
of  March.”"^  The  remark  w^as  quickly  circulated 

* The  anniversary  of  the  Boston  massacre  on  the  5th  of 
March,  1770,  was  observed  this  year  at  Watertown,  by  a 


94 


through  the  whole  detachment,  Avho  appeared 
eager  for  the  expected  encounter. 

The  American  troops  now  at  Cambridge  and 
Roxbury,  including  five  thousand  militia,  were  es- 
timated at  about  fifteen  thousand.  The  British 
were  supposed  to  be  less  than  ten  thousand.  On 
the  13th  of  March,  it  was  perceived  that  active 
preparations  were  making  by  the  ministerial  troops 
for  embarking  on  board  their  fleet  in  the  harbour 
of  Boston;  and  on  Sunday,  the  17th  they  left  the 
town,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  inhabitants  of  that 
place  and  of  the  whole  province.  The  evening 
preceding,  a party  from  Dorchester  heights,  had 
entrenched  themselves  on  Nook-hill,  an  eminence 
still  nearer  to  Boston  ; wdfich  probably  hastened 
their  departure.  A detachment  from  the  Ameri- 
can army,  under  major  general  Putnam,  took  pos- 
session of  the  metropolis  the  same  day.* 

The  joy  of  the  occasion,  however,  was  mingled 
with  much  grief  and  regret,  to  witness  such  de- 
struction of  buildings  and  property,  in  that  former- 
ly flourishing  capital.  Some  of  the  churches  were 
essentially  injured,  having  been  used  as  stables  for 
the  British  cavalry  ; and  many  houses  and  stores 

great  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  and  other  patriotic 
citizens.  The  Rev.  Peter  Thacher  delivered  an  oration  on 
llie  occasion. 

* When  Boston  was  evacuated  by  the  British,  a large  quan- 
tity of  medicine  was  found  in  their  hospital ; and  on  inspec- 
tion by  Dr.  John  Warren,  it  appeared  that  arsenic  was  mixed 
with  it.  At  the  request  of  the  General  Court,  he  gave  bis  af- 
fidavit to  the  fact.  It  excited  great  horror  and  indignation  in 
those  who  believed  it  was  intended  to  poison  the  sick  among 
the  Americans.  Many  however,  were  inclined  to  the  more 
candid  supposition,  that  the  design  was  to  injure  the  whole 
stock  of  medicine  and  render  it  unfit  for  use. 


95 


were  razed  to  the  foundations, 'and  the  materials 
used  for  fuel : ornamental,  and  fruit  trees  were  cut 
down  for  the  same  purpose.  The  streets  were 
filled  with  dirt  and  filth,  which  had  been  accumu- 
lating for  nine  or  ten  months  ; and  the  small  pox 
was  raging  in  various  parts  of  the  town.  This 
gloomy  scene  formed  a most  striking  contrast  to 
the  appearance  of  the  place  twelve  months  be- 
fore.* The  British  embarked  in  such  haste  that 

* Extract  of  a letter  from  a citizen  of  Boston,  of  March 
23d,  1776,  who  left  that  town  just  before  the  siege,  and  re- 
turned a few  days  after  the  British  troops  left  it. 

Yesterday  I returned  from  my  exile  after  an  agreeable 
journey,  and  arrived  in  this  once  flourishing  but  now  solitary 
town.  Once  more  I tread  the  streets  of  Boston,  and  with  a sad 
and  pensive  feeling,  view  the  havoc  of  civil  war.  Were  I to 
give  you  a particular  detail  of  its  situation  last  winter  and  its 
present  state,  it  would  exceed  the  limits  of  my  time  and  pa- 
per. You  will  excuse  me,  therefore,  if  I only  give  you  a 
hasty  view  of  some  occurrences  which  the  little  time  I have 
been  here  has  furnished. 

The  face  of  the  town  is,  indeed,  very  little  altered  ; ex- 
cepting that  the  shops  are  shut  and  many  old  wooden  build- 
ings have  been  demolished.  When  we  enter  the  houses  there 
are  seen  the  marks  of  violence  and  outrage — scarcely  any  that 
are  not  robbed  and  plundered  by  the  merciless  bandit.  Nor 
have  public  buildings  and  houses  devoted  to  the  worship  of 
God  escaped  the  outrage.  The  old  south  meeting  house  pre- 
sents a melancholy  spectacle.  The  pulpit  and  galleries  were 
taken  down  ; the  door  strewed  with  dirt  and  made  the  recep- 
table  of  beasts.  The  old  north,  that  venerable  edifice,  fell  a 
sacrifice  to  the  importunity  of  the  tories,  and  was  appropriated 
to  their  use,  though  the  olhcer  who  ordered  it  taken  dowm,  is 
said  to  have  done  it  with  reluctance.  The  steeple  of  the 
west  meeting  house  is  taken  down  and  otherwise  damaged. 

After  the  tories  had  embarked,  the  soldiers  and  sailors  vied 
w'ith  eacli  other  who  should  commit  the  greatest  violence  ; 
and  I am  told,  whig  and  tory  suffered  indiscriminately. — The 
small  arms  belonging  to  the  town,  which  had  been  delivered 
up,  they  have  left  behind,  but  they  are  entirely  useless. 


94 


through  the  whole  detachment,  who  appeared 
eager  for  tlic  expected  encounter. 

The  American  troops  now  at  Cambridge  and 
lloxbury,  Including  live  thousand  militia,  were  es- 
timated at  about  fifteen  thousand.  The  British 
were  supposed  to  be  less  than  ten  thousand.  On 
the  13th  of  March,  it  was  perceived  that  active 
|)re])aratlons  Avere  making  by  the  ministerial  troojis 
for  embarking  on  board  their  fleet  in  the  harbour 
of  Boston;  and  on  Sunday,  the  J7th  they  left  the 
town,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  inhabitants  of  that 
place  and  of  the  whole  province.  The  evening 
preceding,  a party  from  Dorchester  heights,  had 
entrenched  themselves  on  Nook-hill,  an  eminence 
still  nearer  to  Boston  ; which  |)robably  hastened 
their  departure.  A detachment  from  the  Ameri- 
can anny,  under  major  general  Putnam,  took  pos- 
session of  the  metropolis  the  same  day.* 

The  joy  of  the  occasion,  however,  Avas  mingled 
Avith  much  grief  and  regret,  to  witness  such  de- 
struction of  buildings  and  property,  in  that  former- 
ly flourishing  capital.  Some  of  the  churches  were 
essentially  Injured,  having  been  used  as  stables  for 
the  British  cavaliy  ; and  many  houses  and  stores 

great  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  and  other  patriotic 
citizens.  The  llev.  Peter  Thacher  delivered  an  oration  on 
tlie  occasion. 

^ When  Boston  was  evacuated  by  the  British,  a large  quan- 
tity of  medicine  was  found  in  their  hospital ; and  on  ins[)ec- 
tion  by  Dr.  John  Warren,  it  a|)peared  that  arsenic  was  mixed 
with  it.  At  the  request  of  the  General  Court,  he  gave  his  af- 
fidavit to  the  fact.  It  excited  great  horror  and  indignation  in 
those  who  believed  it  was  intended  to  poison  the  sick  among 
the  Americans.  Many  however,  were  inclined  to  the  more 
candid  supposition,  that  the  design  was  to  injure  the  whole 
stock  of  medicine  and  render  it  unfit  for  use. 


95 


were  razed  to  the  foundations,  and  the  materials 
used  for  fuel : ornamental,  and  fruit  trees  were  cut 
down  for  the  same  purpose.  The  streets  were 
filled  with  dirt  and  filth,  which  had  been  accumu- 
lating for  nine  or  ten  months ; and  the  small  pox 
was  raging  in  various  parts  of  the  town.  This 
gloomy  scene  formed  a most  striking  contrast  to 
the  appearance  of  the  place  twelve  months  be- 
fore."^ The  British  embarked  in  such  haste  that 

* Extract  of  a letter  from  a citizen  of  Boston,  of  March 
23(3,  1776,  who  left  that  town  just  before  the  siege,  and  re- 
turned a few  days  after  the  British  troops  left  it. 

“ Yesterday  I returned  from  my  exile  after  an  agreeable 
journey,  and  arrived  in  this  once  flourishing  but  now  solitary 
town.  Once  more  I tread  the  streets  of  Boston,  and  with  a sad 
and  pensive  feeling,  view  the  havoc  of  civil  war.  Were  I to 
give  you  a particular  detail  of  its  situation  last  winter  and  its 
present  state,  it  would  exceed  the  limits  of  my  time  and  pa- 
per. You  will  excuse  me,  therefore,  if  I only  give  you  a 
hasty  view  of  some  occurrences  which  the  little  time  I have 
been  here  has  furnished. 

The  face  of  the  town  is,  indeed,  very  little  altered  ; ex- 
cepting that  the  shops  are  shut  and  many  old  wooden  build- 
ings have  been  demolished.  When  we  enter  the  houses  there 
are  seen  the  marks  of  violence  and  outrage — scarcely  any  that 
are  not  robbed  and  plundered  by  the  merciless  bandit.  Nor 
have  public  buildings  and  houses  devoted  to  the  worship  of 
God  escaped  the  outrage.  The  old  south  meeting  house  pre- 
sents a melancholy  spectacle.  The  pulpit  and  galleries  were 
taken  down  ; the  floor  strewed  with  dirt  and  made  the  recep- 
table  of  beasts.  The  old  north,  that  venerable  edifice,  fell  a 
sacrifice  to  the  importunity  of  the  tories,  and  was  appropriated 
to  their  use,  though  the  officer  who  ordered  it  taken  down,  is 
said  to  have  done  it  with  reluctance.  The  steeple  of  the 
\vest  meeting  house  is  taken  down  and  otherwise  damaged. 

After  the  tories  bad  embarked,  the  soldiers  and  sailors  vied 
w'ith  each  other  who  should  commit  the  greatest  violence  ; 
and  I am  told,  whig  and  tory  suffered  indiscriminately. — The 
small  arms  belonging  to  the  town,  which  had  been  delivered 
up,  they  have  left  behind,  but  they  are  entirely  useless. 


96 


they  were  obliged  to  leave  behind  them  several 
large  cannon  ; but  the  most  of  these  they  render- 
ed unfit  for  immediate  use.  They  also  dismantled 
the  fort  at  Castle  island  ; and  it  required  much 
time  and  expense  afterwards  to  put  it  in  a state 
sufficient  to  afford  protection  to  the  town.  The 
enemy’s  fleet  only  proceeded  to  the  lower  harbour 
of  Boston,  at  this  time  : and  a considerable  part  of 
it  remained  till  the  month  of  June.  A number  of 
their  ships  proceeded  first  to  Halifax,  and  there 
taking  some  new  recruits,  sailed  for  New  York, 
and  landed  at  Staten  island  in  June  following. 

At  an  early  day,  after  the  British  army  left  Bos- 
ton and  Charlestown,  the  body  of  general  Joseph 
W arren  was  discovered  near,  the  fort  on  Breed’s 
hill,  where  it  had  been  buried,  the  day  following 
the  memorable  battle  of  17th  of  June  1775.  The 
legislature  gave  directions  for  a public  funeral  to 
be  attended  in  Boston.*  An  immense  concourse  of 
the  inhabitants  were  present,  on  the  solemn  occa- 

They  have  demolished  most  of  the  pictures  in  the  Court 
house  and  Faneuil  hall.  The  latter  place  hath  undergone  a 
strange  metamorphosis,  was  changed  into  a play-house,  and 
is  now  in  a very  disordered  state.  The  distresses  of  the  in- 
habitants last  winter  were  very  great,  being  without  fuel,  and 
provisions  very  scarce  and  dear. 

The  tories  were  sanguine  that  the  British  troops  would 
beat  the  rebels,  until  they  returned  from  their  design  against 
Dorchester  hills.  Their  countenances  then  gathered  pale- 
ness ; in  their  distress  they  applied  to  those  whom  they  had 
just  before  affected  to  despise.  Their  distractions  and  distor- 
tions could  be  described  only  by  the  pencil  of  Hogarth.  The}’^ 
are  charged  with  being  the  instigators  of  all  the  mischiefs 
which  happened.” 

* Perez  Morton,  Esq.  pronounced  an  eulogy  on  his  charac- 
ter, on  the  occasion. 


97 


slon,  as  well  as  a committee  of  the  council  and  re- 
presentatives then  in  session  at  Watertown,  and 
many  other  public  characters,  both  civil  and  mili- 
tary. His  memory  was  cherished  with  great  re- 
spect and  gratitude  : for  he  was  one  of  the  most 
illustrious  patriots  of  Massachusetts,  as  well  as 
one  of  the  earliest  victims  which  were  offered  on 
the  altar  of  freedom. 

A few  days  after  the  British  troops  left  Boston, 
general  Washington,  having  dispatched  several 
regiments  of  the  continental  forces  for  New  York, 
for  which  place  he  supposed  general  Howe  was 
destined,  visited  the  metropolis,  and  there  remain- 
ed for  a few  days,  giving  directions  respecting  the 
military  stores  left  by  the  enemy  and  making  ar- 
rangements for  the  defence  of  the  town,  when  he 
should  leave  the  colony  for  New  York.*  A commit- 
tee of  the  inhabitants  delivered  him  an  address,  con- 
gratulating him  on  the  departure  of  the  British 
army  from  the  province,  and  expressive  of  their 
high  sense  of  his  patriotic  and  judicious  conduct 
while  commanding  the  American  army  in  the  vi- 
cinity. An  address  was  also  made  to  him  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  Massachusetts,  at  this  time ; 
which  was  as  follows. 

“ When  the  liberties  of  America  were  attacked 
by  the  violent  hand  of  oppression,  when  troops 
hostile  to  the  right  of  humanity  invaded  this  colo- 

* On  the  28th,  the  public  Thursday  lecture  was  again  at- 
tended in  Boston  and  Dr.  Eliot  preached  from  Isaiah  xxxiii,  20. 
General  Washington  and  several  other  military  officers  of 
high  rank  were  present  on  the  occasion,  with  the  members 
of  the  council,  committee  of  the  House  of  representatives,  se- 
lectmen of  Boston  and  others.  A public  dinner  was  also 
given  to  the  commander  in  chief,  this  day,  in  the  Capital. 

VOL.  n.  1.3 


98 


ny,  seized  our  capital,  and  spread  havoc  and  de- 
struction around  it ; when  our  virtuous  sons  were 
murdered  and  our  houses  destroyed  by  the  troops 
of  Britain ; the  inhabitants  of  this  and  of  the 
other  American  colonies,  impelled  by  self-preser- 
vation and  the  love  of  freedom,  forgetting  their 
domestic  concerns,  determined  resolutely  and  unit- 
edly to  oppose  the  agents  of  tyranny.  Convinced 
of  the  vast  importance  of  having  a gentleman  of 
great  military  accomplishments  to  discipline,  to 
lead  and  conduct  the  forces  of  the  colonies,  it  gave 
us  the  greatest  satisfaction  to  hear  that  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  Colonies  had  made  choice  of 
one  thus  qualified  ; who,  leaving  the  pleasures  of 
domestic  and  rural  life,  was  ready  to  undertake  the 
arduous  task.  And  your  nobly  declining  to  accept 
the  pecuniary  emoluments  annexed  to  this  high  of- 
fice fully  satisfied  us,  that  a warm  regard  to  the 
sacred  rights  of  humanity  and  sincere  love  to  your 
country  solely  influenced  you  in  the  acceptance  of 
this  important-trust. 

“ From  your  acknowledged  abilities  as  a soldier, 
and  }^our  virtues  in  public  and  private  life,  we  had 
the  most  pleasing  hope  ; but  the  fortitude  and 
equanimity  so  conspicuous  in  your  conduct ; the 
wisdom  of  your  councils ; the  mild  yet  strict  go- 
vernment of  the  army  ; your  attention  to  the  civil 
constitution  of  this  colony  ; the  regard  you  have 
at  all  times  shewn  for  the  lives  and  health  of  those 
under  your  command  ; the  fatigues  you  have  with 
cheerfulness  endured  ; the  regard  you  have  mani- 
fested for  the  preservation  of  our  metropolis ; and 
the  great  address  with  which  our  military  opera- 
tions have  been  conducted ; have  exceeded  our 
most  sanguine  expectations,  and  demand  the  warm- 
est returns  of  gratitude. 


99 


‘‘  The  Supreme  ruler  of  the  Universe  having 
smiled  on  our  arms  and  crowned  jour  labours  with 
remarkable  success,  we  are  now,  without  that  effu- 
sion of  blood  we  so  much  wished  to  avoid,  again 
in  quiet  possession  of  our  capital  : the  wdsdom  and 
prudence  of  those  movements,  wdiicli  have  obliged 
the  enemy  to  abandon  our  metropolis  will  ever  be 
remembered  by  the  inhabitants  of  tliis  colony. 

“ May  you  still  go  on  approved  of  heaven,  re- 
vered by  all  good  men,  and  dreaded  by  those  ty- 
rants wdio  claim  their  fellow  men  as  their  property. 
May  the  United  Colonies  be  defended  from  slavery 
by  your  victorious  arms.  May  they  still  see  their 
enemies  flying  before  you.  And  the  deliverance 
of  your  country  being  effected,  may  you,  in  retire- 
ment, enjoy  that  [)eace  and  satisfaction  of  mind, 
Avhich  always  attend  the  great  and  good.  And 
may  future  generations,  in  the  peaceable  enjoy- 
ment of  that  freedom,  the  exercise  of  which  your 
sword  shall  have  established,  raise  the  highest  and 
most  lasting  monument  to  the  name  of  Washing- 
ton.”"^ 

To  this  address,  general  Washington  made  the 
following  reply — “ Gentlemen,  I return  you  my 
most  sincere  and  hearty  thanks  for  your  polite  ad- 
dress; and  feel  myself  called  upon  by  every  prin- 
ciple of  gratitude,  to  acknowledge  the  honour  you 
have  done  me  in  this  testimonial  of  your  approba- 
tion of  my  appointment  to  the  exalted  station  I 
now  fill,  and  what  is  moie  pleasing,  of  my  conduct 
in  discharging  its  important  duties. 

* Sever,  Hawley,  Spooner,  Cushing  and  Sullivan,  were  the 
committee  of  the  Council  and  Mouse  of  Representatives,  to 
prepare  and  present  the  address  to  general  Washington  on 
this  occasion. 


100 


“ When  the  councils  of  the  British  nation  had 
formed  a plan  for  enslaving  America  and  depriving 
her  sons  of  their  most  sacred  and  invaluable  privile- 
ges, against  the  clearest  provisions  of  the  constitu- 
tion, against  justice  and  truth ; and,  to  execute  their 
schemes,  had  appealed  to  the  sword,  I esteemed  it 
my  duty  to  take  a part  in  the  contest;  and  espe- 
cially when  called  thereto  by  the  unsolicited  suf- 
frages of  the  representatives  of  a free  people; 
wishing  for  no  other  reward,  than  that  arising  from 
the  conscientious  discharge  of  the  important  trust, 
and  that  my  services  might  contribute  to  the  es- 
tablishment of  freedom  and  peace  upon  a perma- 
nent foundation,  and  merit  the  applause  of  my 
countrymen  and  of  every  virtuous  citizen. 

“ Your  acknowledgments  of  my  attention  to  the 
civil  constitution  of  this  colony,  while  acting  in  the 
line  of  my  department,  also  demand  my  grateful 
notice.  A regard  to  every  provincial  institution, 
when  not  incompatible  with  the  common  interest, 
I hold  a principle  of  duty  and  of  policy,  and  shall 
ever  form  a part  of  my  conduct.  Had  I not  learned 
this  before,  the  happy  experience  of  the  advanta- 
ges resulting  from  a friendly  intercourse  with  your 
honourable  body,  their  ready  concurrence  to  aid 
and  counsel  whenever  called  upon  in  cases  of  diffi- 
culty and  danger,  w^ould  have  taught  me  the  use- 
ful lesson. 

“ That  the  metropolis  of  your  colony  is  now  re- 
lieved from  the  cruel  and  oppressive  invasion  of 
those  who  were  sent  to  erect  the  standard  of  law- 
less domination  and  to  trample  on  the  sacred  rights 
of  humanity,  and  is  again  open  and  free  for  its 
rightful  possessions,  must  give  pleasure  to  every 
virtuous  and  sympathetic  heart ; and  being  effect- 


101 


ed  without  the  blood  of  our  fellow  citizens,  must 
be  ascribed  to  the  interposition  of  that  Providence, 
which  has  manifestly  appeared  in  our  behalf 
through  the  whole  of  this  important  struggle,  as 
well  as  to  the  measures  pursued  for  bringing  about 
the  happy  event. 

“ May  that  Being  who  is  powerful  to  save,  and  in 
whose  hands  is  the  fate  of  nations,  look  down  with 
an  eye  of  compassion  upon  the  wdiole  of  these 
united  colonies  ; may  he  continue  to  smile  upon 
their  councils  and  arms,  and  crowm  them  with  suc- 
cess, while  employed  in  the  cause  of  virtue  and  of 
mankind.  May  this  distressed  colony  and  its  capi- 
tal and  every  part  of  this  wide  extended  continent, 
through  his  divine  favour,  be  restored  to  more 
than  their  former  lustre  and  once  happy  state,  and 
have  peace,  liberty  and  safety  secured  upon  a 
solid,  permanent  and  lasting  foundation.” 

The  corporation  and  overseers  of  Harvard  Col- 
lege conferred  on  general  Washington,  the  third 
of  April,  when  he  was  preparing  to  leave  the  co- 
lony and  to  join  the  army  near  New  York,  the  ho- 
norary degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws,  not  only  on  ac- 
count of  his  great  intelligence  and  sound  judgment, 
but  in  consideration  also  of  his  civic  virtues,  and  his 
patriotic,  disinterested  services  in  the  cause  of  liber- 
ty. During  the  w hole  period  of  nine  months,  which 
he  passed  in  the  colony,  at  the  head  of  the  conti- 
nental forces,  arduous  and  difficult  as  were  the  va- 
rious duties  wffiich  devolved  on  him,  his  conduct 
received  the  applause  and  admiration  of  all  classes 
of  people. 

General  Washington  left  Massachusetts  for  New" 
York,  where  it  was  believed  the  British  intended 
to  make  an  attack,  early  in  the  month  of  April. 


102 


The  greater  portion  of  the  continental  troops  who 
had  com[)osed  the  army  al  Cambridge  and  vicinity, 
were  sent  on  to  that  colony,  at  the  time  the  British 
embarked  from  Boston,  under  the  command  of  gene- 
rals Sullivan  and  Heath;  and  major  general  Putnam 
followed,  in  a few  days  after,  to  resume  the  chief 
command,  until  Washington  should  arrive.  Three 
regiments  were  left  at  Boston,  under  major  general 
Ward,  for  the  protection  of  that  place  and  vicinity; 
to  whom  Washington  gave  particular  instructions  to 
-Consult  the  civil  authority  of  the  colony  in  all  his 
movements  within  their  territory.  The  General 
Assembly  requested  that  six  of  the  continental 
regiments  might  be  permitted  to  remain  for  some 
time  ; as  a part  of  the  British  fleet  was  still  in  the 
lower  harbour,  and  they  feared  an  attack,  unless 
they  could  command  a formidable  force.  And  it 
was  found  necessary,  soon  after,  to  raise  three 
additional  regiments  for  the  protection  of  the 
coast,  at  the  expense  of  the  province. 

A part  of  the  American  troops  at  Cambridge 
and  Roxbury  were  also  ordered  to  Canada,  imme- 
diately on  the  departure  of  the  British  from  the 
metropolis  of  Massachusetts.  Though  general 
Arnold  remained  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Quebec 
through  the  winter,  and  some  fresh  troops  from 
Massachusetts  and  New  York  had  been  sent  on  to 
reinforce  him,  the  Americans  were  not  sufficiently 
strong  to  effect  any  great  object:  but  it  was  still 
considered  highly  important,  if  not  to  take  posses- 
sion of  that  whole  province,  to  prevent-the  British 
from  recovering  the  forts  on  lake  Champlain,  by 
which  any  future  plans  of  attack  on  the  western 
and  northern  parts  of  New  England  would  be 
more  easily  accomplished.  Major  general  Tho- 


103 


mas,  of  Massachusetts,  was  entrusted  with  the 
command  in  that  department;  and  many  of  the 
continental  forces  which  marched  into  that  quar- 
ter belonged  to  the  province.  These  troops  en- 
dured great  privations  and  sufferings  in  travelling 
through  a new  country,  partly  covered  with  snow, 
and  almost  destitute  of  provisions.  The  Bri- 
tish were  reinforced  by  fresh  troops  from  Eng- 
land early  in  May,  and  the  Americans  near  Que- 
bec were  obliged  to  retreat  soon  after  general 
Th  omas  arrived  there.  The  men  were  so  worn 
down  by  sickness  and  fatigue,  that  no  offensive 
operations  were  attempted.  A council  of  war 
gave  an  opinion  for  retiring  from  that  place.  The 
whole  number  of  American  troops  w'as  less  than 
2000  ; and  not  more  than  300  were  hi  for  active 
service.  The  time  for  which  a large  part  of  them 
had  enlisted,  had  then  also  expired.  Indeed,  it 
was  not  without  great  judgment  and  unremitting 
effort,  that  the  Americans  were  prevented  from 
falling  into  the  hands  of  the  British,  who  opened 
the  campaign  with  great  force,  consisting  of  re- 
gulars, Canadians  and  Indians. 

On  their  return  to  Montreal  and  Crown  Point, 
the  Americans  were  subjected  to  the  severest  suf- 
ferings, from  sickness  and  a want  of  suitable  pro- 
visions. At  the  latter  place  they  made  a stand; 
but  general  Thomas  died  before  they  reached 
that  station.  His  conduct  was  approved  as  able 
and  judicious,  under  the  many  difficulties  he  had 
to  encounter.  He  was  attacked  by  the  small  pox, 
which  prevailed  among  his  troops,  and  survived 
only  a few  days;  and  general  Sullivan  succeeded 
him  for  a short  time  in  the  command  of  the  troops 
in  that  quarter,  when  general  Schuyler  of  New 
York  was  ordered  to  that  department. 


104 


The  death  of  general  Thomas  was  deplored  as 
a great  public  calamity.  He  was  distinguished  by 
great  prudence  and  judgment,  as  well  as  resolution 
and  intrepidity.  He  was  appointed  a major  gene- 
ral on  the  continental  establishment  in  March ; 
but  had  been  second  in  command  in  the  provincial 
army  in  the  summer  of  1775,  till  general  Washing- 
ton arrived  at  Cambridge.  He  had  also  served 
with  reputation  as  a field  officer,  in  the  war  of 
1756,  between  England  and  France,  and  was  de- 
scended from  one  of  the  most  ancient  and  respect- 
able families  in  the  county  of  Plymouth. 

While  the  General  Assembly  was  in  session,  on 
the  lOth  of  May,  they  passed  an  order,  which  was 
published,  by  which  the  people  of  the  several 
towns  in  the  province  were  advised  to  give  in- 
structions to  their  respective  representatives,  to 
be  chosen  for  the  following  political  year,  com- 
mencing the  last  of  the  month,  on  the  subject  of 
Independence;  which,  at  that  time,  was  more, 
generally  contemplated,  than  it  had  been  at  any 
former  period.  A reconciliation  with  Great  Britain 
was  now  expected  by  very  few  of  the  intelligent 
patriots  of  America.  The  British  ministry  had 
not  moderated  their  claims,  nor  relaxed  in  their 
measures  of  coercion.  On  the  contrary,  they  breath- 
ed a more  threatening  spirit,  and  had  resolved  to 
prosecute  the  war  with  new  vigour.  The  people 
of  Massachusetts  had  now  also  experienced  too 
much  of  the  vindictive  disposition  of  the  ministerial 
party,  to  expect  any  thing  at  their  hands  but  cruel 
oppression  and  utter  subjugation.  Even  the  re- 
cent pretended  conciliatory  plan  of  lord  North 
was  too  flimsy  to  deceive  the  most  ignorant.  It 
required  absolute  submission,  upon  a specious  pro- 


105 


vince  of  mercy,  to  be  shewn  in  such  way  as  the 
crown  might  see  fit  to  grant.  They  spurned  the 
proposed  pardon,  when  they  had  committed  no 
fault,  unless  it  was  one  to  defend  their  charter 
rights  ; and  they  rejected  the  offer  of  peace,  upon 
terms  degrading  to  them  as  freemen,  and  dishon- 
ourable to  them  as  patriots.  It  was  the  prudent 
suggestion  of  the  assembly,  however,  that  the 
people,  in  their  primary  meetings  should  give  their 
opinions  upon  this  most  important  subject.  The 
citizens  of  Boston  and  of  some  other  towns  express- 
ed themselves  in  favour  of  such  a measure ; de- 
claring, however,  their  perfect  confidence  in  the 
patriotism  and  wisdom  of  Congress,  in  whose  de- 
cision they  were  determined  to  acquiesce. 

Some  of  those  citizens  of  Massachusetts,  who 
disapproved  of  the  opposition  made  to  the  mea- 
sures of  the  British  ministry,  and  who  had  repair- 
ed to  governor  Gage  for  protection  after  the  bat- 
tle at  Lexington,  remained  in  Boston  wdien  the 
English  troops  left  that  place  in  March ; and 
some,  who  went  to  Halifax  with  the  fleet,  were 
dissatisfied  with  their  reception  there  ; and,  re- 
turning to  the  province  soon  after,  threw  them- 
selves upon  the  mercy  of  the  government.  They 
were  immediately  taken  into  custody ; and  most 
of  them  were  kept  in  confinement  several  months. 
Those  w^ho  had  rendered  themselves  most  obnoxi- 
ous did  not  return.  The  conduct  of  the  others, 
after  they  came  back,  was  closely  w^atched  ; and 
it  was  a long  time  before  they  gained  the  confi- 
dence of  the  people. 

In  April,  the  General  Court  voted  to  erect  a pow- 
der mill  at  Sutton.  There  were  already  two  in 
the  province,  built  under  the  patronage  of  the 

VOL.  II.  14 


J06 


legislatui’e.  A bounty  was  offered  for  manufac- 
turing  salt-petre  and  a committee  appointed  to 
superintend  the  casting  of  cannon  and  making  of 
fire  arms.  Beacons  were  ordered  to  be  erected 
in  Boston,  Cape  Ann,  Marblehead,  and  on  the 
Blue-hills  in  Milton;  for  the  purpose  of  giving  an 
alarm  to  the  people  whenever  the  British  should 
attempt  to  land  near  those  places.  An  additional 
number  of  armed  vessels,  in  the  service  of  the 
province,  were  fitted  out ; and  an  offer  was  made 
to  aid  in  completing  a continental  frigate,  then 
building  at  Portsmouth,  as  a British  ship  of  war 
was  making  havock  near  the  coast.  Hulks  were 
also  ordered  to  be  sunk  in  the  harbour  of  Boston : 
and  two  vessels  were  employed  to  keep  a watch 
in  the  bay  and  give  seasonable  notice  of  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy.  The  assembly  of  Massa- 
chusetts, at  the  request  of  general  Knox,  provided 
for  conveying  a large  quantity  of  cannon  and  mili- 
tary stores  to  New  York  by  land  ; where  the  main 
body  of  the  American  army  was  now  stationed. 

It  was  during  the  session  in  April,  that  they 
passed  a resolve  to  alter  the  style  of  writs  and 
other  legal  processes;  substituting  ‘‘the  people 
and  government  of  Massachusetts”  for  George 
the  Third  : and,  in  dating  official  papers,  the  par- 
ticular year  of  the  king  was  omitted,  and  only  the 
year  of  our  Lord  mentioned. 

The  General  Court,  at  this  session,  ordered  the 
militia  to  make  use  of  a system  of  exercise  pre- 
pared by  Timothy  Pickering,  Jr.  Esq.  This  was 
an  improved  edition  of  a book  published  by  him 

* In  one  week,  in  the  month  of  May,  37,000  pounds  were 
deposited  with  the  public  agent,  at  Watertown  ; and  large 
quantities  besides  carried  directly  to  the  powder  mills. 


I 


107 


in  May  1775,  and  then  recommended,  by  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  to  be  observed  by  the  minute 
companies  and  others. 

The  new  General  Assembly  for  1776  was  or- 
ganized at  Watertown,  on  the  last  Wednesday  in 
May ; and  the  same  gentlemen  were  elected  to 
compose  the  executive  council,  who  were  mem- 
bers the  preceding  year,  with  the  exception  of 
six,  who  declined  the  trust. ^ That  body  then 
consisted  of  twenty  eight  members.  The  town  of 
Boston  elected  twelve  representatives  for  this  year. 
The  year  before,  the  number  was  only  five.  The 
small  pox,  then  raging  in  Boston,  probably  pre- 
vented the  court  from  sitting  there,  at  this  time. 

Although  the  enemy  had  quitted  the  town  of 
Boston,  and  the  greater  portion  of  them  had  left 
the  province  of  Massachusetts,  neither  the  citizens 
nor  the  General  Court  could  promise  themselves 
much  intermission  in  arduous  service  for  the  public 
welfare.  They  had  not  only  much  to  restore  and 
to  repair,  after  a siege  of  more  than  ten  months, 
when  their  constant  attention  had  been  given  to 
measures  for  preventing  the  utter  conquest  and 
desolation  of  the  province  ; but  some  of  the  enemy 
were  still  within  the  harbour  of  the  metropolis, 
intercepting  the  scanty  commerce  which  remained 
to  them.  There  was  also  reason  to  fear,  that  the 
British  might  soon  return  with  additional  force; 
and  New  York  at  the  south,  and  the  settlements 
at  the  north  west  were  so  much  exposed  as  to  in- 
duce Congress  to  call  on  Massachusetts,  struggling 

* Mr.  Bovvdoin  was  again  president  of  the  council.  Those 
who  declined,  were  J.  Otis,  the  elder,  John  Adams,  Jedidiah 
Foster,  &c.  Mr.  Adams  was  a member  of  Congress,  and  Mr. 
Foster  a judge  of  the  Superior  Court. 


108 


as  she  was  with  her  own  wants  and  dangers,  for 
aid  in  the  common  cause.  General  Washington 
thought  it  consistent  with  his  duty,  as  commander 
of  the  continental  army,  to  leave  but  few  regular 
troops  for  the  defence  of  Boston.  Before  he  left 
the  province,  he  gave  directions  for  repairing  the 
works  on  fort  hill,  so  called,  in  Boston;  and  soon 
after  his  departure,  the  General  Assembly  order- 
ed fortifications  to  be  erected  on  Noddle’s  island, 
and  the  cannon  left  by  the  British  in  an  injured 
state  on  Castle  island,  to  be  fitted  for  use.  They 
also  made  immediate  provision  for  raising  two 
regiments,  to  be  stationed  Avithin  and  near  the 
harbour  of  Boston ; and,  in  May,  another  was 
called  for,  together  with  six  companies  of  artille- 
ry; all  at  the  immediate  expense  of  the  province. 

These  were  soon  organized,  and  placed  some  of 
them  at  the  castle,  some  at  Nantasket,  and  some  at 
Noddle’s  Island.  General  Lincoln  was  chairman  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  direct  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  these  objects  : and,  under  his  judici- 
ous management,  the  forts  were  built,  and  the 
vessels  of  the  enemy  driven  from  their  position  at 
the  mouth  of  the  harbour.  The  General  Court, 
at  this  time  also,  provided  for  fortifications  at 
Salem,  Marblehead,  Cape  Ann,  Plymouth,  and 
♦ Falmouth  on  Casco  bay.  Cannon  and  other  mili- 
tary stores  were  furnished,  and  men  were  station- 
ed at  these  places,  for  the  greater  part  of  the 
summer  following.  These  towns  were  exposed 
to  the  British  ships,  which  were  hovering  on  the 
coasts  for  a great  distance.  Some  of  these  were 
large  sloops  of  war  and  frigates,  which  rendered 
the  coasting  business  extremely  hazardous.  The 
private  armed  vessels  and  those  in  commission  of 


109 


the  province  and  of  the  continent,  were  of  essen- 
tial benefit  to  the  country  at  this  period.  They 
were  numerous,  and  constantly  on  the  watch  for  ^ 
the  enemy.  Scarcely  a week  past,  but  they  cap- 
tured a valuable  prize  ; while  only  one  of  them 
was  taken  by  the  British  for  a long  period.  This 
was  an  armed  brig  called  the  Yankee  Hero,  be- 
longing to  N.  Tracy  of  New  bury  port.  She  was 
captured  near  the  coast  by  an  English  sloop  of 
w'ar,  which  had  greatly  annoyed  the  commerce 
and  coasting  trade  of  the  province.  But  the 
American  brig  did  not  surrender,  until  she  had 
made  an  obstinate  resistance  of  nearly  two  hours 
and  lost  about  half  her  men. 

Captain  Mugford  of  Marblehead,  in  a continen- 
tal schooner,  called  the  Franklin,  achieved  a bril- 
liant exploit  (April  17lh,)  but  eventually  became 
a victim  of  British  vengeance.  The  Franklin  had 
twenty  men,  and  she  engaged  a large  ship  from 
Ireland  with  eighteen  men,  mounting  six  guns,  and 
loaded  with  provisions,  cannon  and  other  valuable 
military  articles.  This  was  just  at  the  entrance 
of  Boston  harbour,  and  in  full  view  of  the  British 
ships  then  lying  in  Nantasket  roads : and  he  car- 
ried her  up  to  the  town  of  Boston,  through  the 
northern  passage.  Three  days  after,  captain  Mug- 
ford  went  down  the  harbour,  intending  to  put 
to  sea  on  a cruise.  His  vessel  run  aground  in  the 
gut.  The  British  were  informed  of  his  situation, 
and  they  sent  ten  boats  filled  with  men,  in  number 
about  two  hundred,  to  attack  him.  The)  ap- 
proached the  Franklin  in  the  evening,  and  when 
they  were  hailed,  pretended  to  be  from  Boston. 
But  he  suspected  they  were  enemies,  and  ordered 
them  to  keep  off.  They  did  not  regard  him;  and 


no 


perceiving  them  pulling  for  his  vessel,  he  fired  into 
the  boats  with  great  spirit.  Two  boats  were  sunk, 
and  the  others  were  soon  obliged  to  sheer  off. 
But  the  brave  commander  was  shot  dead  in  the 
contest.  Several  of  the  enemy  were  slain  in  the 
boats  ; among  whom  was  the  first  lieutenant  of  the 
British  ship  of  war.  About  this  period  three  large 
transport  ships  from  England  and  Scotland  were 
captured  by  privateers  from  Marblehead;  each 
having  about  one  hundred  highlanders  and  thirty 
marines  for  the  British  fleet.  One  of  these  ships 
engaged  the  privateers  some  hours  before  she  sur- 
rendered, and  lost  seventeen  men,  besides  major 
M.  an  officer  in  the  British  service.  A colonel 
Campbell  was  on  board  one  of  the  captured  ves- 
sels. 

There  were  frequent  alarms  in  the  months  of 
May  and  June,  and  fears  were  entertained  of  ano- 
ther visit  from  the  British,  which  gave  much  un- 
easiness to  the  inhabitants  ; although  there  were 
some  continental  troops  at  Boston,  and  several  re- 
giments had  been  called  into  the  colonial  service  in 
the  vicinity.  It  was  not  believed,  that  the  British 
fleet  would  remain  long  at  Halifax;  and  whether 
Massachusetts  or  some  southern  colony  would  be 
attacked,  was  very  uncertain.  It  was,  therefore, 
determined  by  the  General  Court,  early  in  June, 
to  throw  up  fortifications  at  Nantasket,  and  on  se- 
veral islands  in  the  harbour  of  Boston,  and,  if  possi- 
ble, to  drive  all  the  enemy’s  vessels  from  its  waters. 
There  was  already  some  provincial  troops  at  Nan- 
tasket, at  the  Castle,  and  at  Noddle’s  island  ; but 
they  had  hitherto  acted  only  on  the  defensive. 
On  the  14th  of  June,  two  years  from  the  time  of 
the  odious  “Boston  port  bill,”  a large  party  of 


Ill 


men  went  down  the  harbour,  consisting  of  two 
provincial  regiments,  a battalion  of  artillery  and 
some  continental  troops ; and  took  post,  at  Nan- 
tasket,  Long  island,  Pettick’s  and  Moon  Islands, 
where  they  threw  up  entrenchments,  and  immedi- 
ately began  a heavy  cannonade  upon  the  British 
vessels  lying  in  the  channel.  These  were  then 
about  twenty  in  number.  Their  situation  was 
found  to  be  too  hazardous  to  remain ; and  they 
soon  got  under  way  and  left  the  harbour,  except- 
ing two  or  three  which  were  taken  by  the  Ameri- 
cans. They  suffered  some  from  the  forts  before 
they  departed ; and  on  leaving  the  outer  harbour, 
they  blew  up  the  lighthouse,  the  only  injury  which 
was  in  their  power  to  commit. 

It  was  considered  prudent  to  retain  the  two  re- 
giments and  the  battalion  of  artillery  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  province  through  the  season  : and  to 
keep  guards  at  the  fortifications,  which  had  been 
erected  in  various  parts  of  the  harbour.  Several 
other  companies  were  also  retained,  at  populous 
places  on  the  coast,  which  were  most  liable  to  be 
approached  by  the  enemy’s  ships.  But  there  were 
still  greater  demands  upon  Massachusetts  in  June 
and  July  for  men  to  recruit  the  army  at  New  York, 
and  at  the  northward,  on  lake  Champlain,  where 
attacks  were  threatened  by  formidable  forces  of 
the  British,  who  had  lately  been  victorious,  in  that 
quarter,  over  the  Americans. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  British  at  New  York  in 
June,  general  Washington  called  upon  Congress 
for  an  additional  force,  to  enable  him  to  prevent 
their  landing,  or  to  check  them  in  any  plans  of  ra- 
vaging the  country.  The  regular  troops  under  his 
command  were  but  few,  compared  to  the  numbers 


112 


with  which  it  was  expected  the  British  would  open 
the  campaign  in  that  quarter.*  Many  of  the  con- 
tinental regiments  belonging  to  Massachusetts  were 
in  the  northern  department,  where  a large  force 
was  also  deemed  necessary.  General  Bourgoyne 
had  arrived  in  Canada  with  fresh  troops,  and  was 
driving  before  him  the  Americans,  who  were  worn 
down  with  fatigue  and  sickness.  Congress  address- 
ed the  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  of 
some  other  colonies,  and  urged  them  to  send  on 
the  militia  with  the  greatest  possible  dispatch. 
On  the  25th  of  June,  the  general  assembly  resolv- 
ed to  raise  five  thousand  militia  for  six  months,  to  re- 
inforce the  continental  army.  This  must  have  been  a 
great  effort  and  have  required  great  sacrifices,  when 
it  is  recollected,  that  the  province  had  already  fur- 
nished more  than  its  portion  of  regular  troops  for 
the  year’s  service,  and  had  also  a great  number  of 
men  doing  duty  at  Boston  and  other  places  on  the 

* On  the  20th  of  June,  an  attack  was  made  upon  some  Bri- 
tish soldiers  at  Sandy  Hook  near  New  York,  by  a party  of 
Americans  of  about  300,  commanded  by  colonel  Tupper,  with 
major  Brooks  as  second  in  command,  all  belonging  to  Massa- 
chusetts. The  British  retreated  to  the  light  house,  which 
served  them  as  a shelter ; and  two  ships  of  war,  lying  in  the 
offing  kept  up  a fire  upon  the  Americans  for  nearly  two  hours, 
which  prevented  them  in  the  pursuit  of  the  English  soldiers. 
But  the  party  under  colonel  Tupper  received  no  injury.  Ma- 
jor Henly,  aid  to  general  Heath,  a brave  and  meritorious  offi- 
cer, was  killed  soon  after,  in  an  engagement  with  some  Bri- 
tish troops  at  Harlem,  near  New.Y^ork.  Heath  had  then  re- 
cently been  appointed  a major  general  in  the  continental 
army.  In  October,  a party  of  the  Americans  chiefly  from 
Massachusetts,  under  colonel  Shepherd,  attacked  some  Bri- 
tish at  New  Rochelle,  near  New  York,  and  a severe  skirmish 
ensued,  when  the  enemy  fell  back  to  the  main  army.  It  was 
said  by  one  of  the  officers,  “ that  the  Massachusetts  boys 
fought  the  regulars  bravely  for  some  time  in  the  open  field.” 


113 


sea  coasts.  The  preamble  to  the  resolve  for  rais- 
ing these  men  is  indicative  alike  of  the  sense  they 
had  of  the  danger  to  which  the  country  was  ex- 
posed, and  of  their  resolute  purpose  to  sacrifice 
every  thing  for  the  preservation  of  their  liberties. 
It  is  as  follows  : 

‘‘As  the  unrelenting  spirit,  which  possesses  the 
king  and  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  has  pushed 
them  on  to  leave  no  measures  unessayed  to  accom- 
plish our  destruction,  and  with  infinite  disgrace  to 
themselves  are  about  to  pour  in  uj)on  us  a number 
of  foreign  troops,  with  intent  this  year  to  decide 
the  contest  and  to  enslave  us  forever;  and  as  such 
a manly  and  brave  resistance,  as  with  the  smiles  of 
heaven  we  are  able  to  make,  will,  we  trust,  utterly 
defeat  their  haughty  and  unrighteous  designs,  and 
establish  our  liberty  ; the  American  Congress  have 
called  upon  this  colony  for  five  thousand  of  its  mi- 
litia to  co-operate  with  the  continental  troops  at 
Canada  and  New  York,  and  it  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  a proper  number  of  men  should  be  re- 
served for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coasts  against 
the  attacks  which  may  be  made  upon  them,  it  ren- 
ders it  unavoidable  that  the  levies  should  be  made 
on  the  towns  least  exposed  to  invasion  from  the 
sea  ; and  although  the  numbers  are  large,  yet  the 
exertions  now  called  for  are  not  to  be  regarded 
when  compared  to  the  great  and  noble  objects  for 
which  we  are  contending;  this  court,  therefore, 
have  the  fullest  assurance  that  their  brethren,  on 
this  occasion,  idll  not  confer  with  jlcsh  and  blood, 
but  being  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  the  mea- 
sure, will  without  hesitation  and  with  the  utmost 
alacrity  and  despatch,  fill  up  the  numbers  propor- 
tioned on  the  several  towns,  in  wdiich  case  we  shall 

vor..  II.  ] r> 


114 


have  the  highest  prospect  of  defeating  the  bloody 
designs  of  our  unjust  and  cruel  adversaries.  We 
derive  the  greatest  confidence  from  the  spirited 
and  distinguished  part  our  constituents  have  taken 
upon  all  important  occasions,  and  we  flatter  our- 
selves that  a noble  defence  this  campaign  will  put 
an  end  to  the  contest.  Every  thing,  therefore, 
calls  for  our  united  exertions;  not  only  the  safety 
of  our  property,  children  and  families,  but  the  se- 
curity of  the  rights  of  the  present  and  future  gene- 
rations.” 

These  men  were  raised  at  great  expense  to  the 
province  ; and  committees  were  employed  in  every 
county  to  assist  and  encourage  the  enlistments.  A 
bounty  and  a month’s  pay  in  advance  were  allow^ed 
as  an  inducement  to  the  people  to  engage  in  the 
public  service.  The  sum  of  50,000/.  was  appro- 
priated for  the  purpose.  Three  thousand  of  these 
militia  were  ordered  to  the  northern  department, 
and  two  thousand  for  New  York.  Before  the 
whole  were  enlisted,  the  legislature  proposed  to 
general  Washington  to  take  two  regiments  of  the 
continental  troops  stationed  at  Boston,  for  the  de- 
fence of  that  place,  and  offered  to  call  out  the  in- 
habitants in  the  vicinity  as  a guard,  till  they 
should  be  able  to  relieve  them  by  others  which 
should  be  enlisted. 

The  first  of  July  several  additional  regiments 
W'ere  ordered  to  be  marched  to  New  York;  to- 
gether with  a large  number  of  light-horse,  and  se- 
veral companies  of  artillery.  The  British  had 
landed  a great  force,  and  threatened  to  subdue  the 
whole  country.  Two  more  regiments  were  required 
to  be  forwarded  to  Canada,  the  tenth  of  July  ; and 
the  legislature  ordered  a levy  of  every  25th  man 


115 


for  the  purpose.  These  were  raised  principallj 
in  the  western  parts  of  the  province,  and  in  Mid- 
dlesex and  Essex  ; while  those  which  marched  for 
New  York  were  from  Suffolk,  Plymouth  and  Bris- 
tol. For  although  several  of  the  continental  regi- 
ments were  hurried  off  immediately  from  the  Bos- 
ton station,  and  some  of  the  militia  repaired  thither 
to  take  their  place,  others  of  them  hastened  di- 
rectly from  the  towns  where  they  were  mustered 
to  the  southern  and  northern  departments. 

Such  exertions  as  these  could  not  have  been 
made  without  great  patriotism  and  zeal,  both  in 
the  General  Court  and  in  the  people  of  Massachu- 
setts. To  those  who  live  in  peaceful  times  and 
pass  their  days  in  ease  and  quiet,  it  appears  al- 
most incredible,  what  sufferings  were  endured  and 
hazards  met  by  the  brave  men  of  that  eventful 
period.  Few  persons  in  any  age  have  made  great- 
er efforts  for  the  enjoyment  of  any  earthly  bless- 
ing. In  communicating  the  resolves  of  Congress 
at  this  time,  Hancock  urged  the  General  Court 
and  people,  by  every  consideration  which  could  in- 
fluence honourable  men  and  freemen,  to  assist  in 
the  great  work  of  saving  the  country  from  tyranny 
and  oppression.  Many  others  were  equally  de- 
cided and  zealous:  and  without  such  characters  to 
animate  and  rouse  the  people,  brave  and  attached 
to  liberty  as  they  were,  they  would  have  been  dis- 
couraged, and  liave  sunk  under  the  increasing  diffi- 
culties which  surrounded  them. 

Under  all  these  difficulties  and  threatened  as 
they  were  wdth  ministerial  vengeance,  the  dele- 
gates of  the  several  North  American  colonies, 
in  General  Congress  assembled,  after  much  de- 
liberation and  mutual  consultation,  on  the  fourth 


116 


of  July  (1776)  declared  themselves  Independent 
of  the  crown  and  government  of  Great  Britain. 
But  it  was  not  without  some  opj)osition,  that 
this  declaration  was  adopted  and  publickly  made. 
Some  highly  patriotic  citizens  were  not  then  pre- 
pared for  such  a serious  measure  ; nor  were  they 
willing  to  relinquish  entirely  the  hope  of  a recon- 
ciliation with  the  parent  country.  But  a large 
majority  of  the  members  were  decidedly  of  opin- 
ion, that  no  reconciliation  could  be  effected,  and 
that  the  period  had  arrived,  when  it  Avas  necessa- 
ry to  declare  the  colonies  a separate  government 
from  England.  The  British  ministry  might  be  in- 
censed. But  their  vengeance  was  already  in  ex- 
ercise, to  its  utmost  extent ; and  by  becoming  an 
independent  nation,  the  governments  of  Europe 
might  be  induced  to  assist  them  against  an  unnatural 
foe.  The  resolution  of  Congress  was  zealously 
advocated  by  all  the  delegates  from  Massachu- 
setts ; and  was  approved  by  a vast  majority  of  the 
people,  in  this  and  the  other  twelve  colonies; 
which,  from  this  memorable  period,  were  called 
and  known  as  the  thirteen  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica. On  the  eighteenth  of  July,  this  Declaration 
of  Independence  was  publickly  read  from  the 
balcony  of  the  State  House  in  Boston,  in  presence 
of  a vast  concourse  of  the  citizens,  of  several  mili- 
tary companies,  of  the  officers  of  the  militia  and 
of  the  continental  army  on  the  station,  of  the 
selectmen  and  other  municipal  officers  of  the 
town,  and  of  many  members  of  the  executive 
council  and  General  Assembly  of  Massachusetts. 
There  was  great  parade  and  exultation.  The  king’s 
arms  were  taken  doAvn,  and  a public  dinner  given 
on  the  occasion.  And  afterwards,  the  declaration 


il7 


was  read  in  the  churches  on  the  Lord’s  day, 
after  the  religious  service  had  closed. 

The  several  states  were  now  considered  sove- 
reign, as  well  as  Independent.  The  supreme  civil 
authority  resided  in  the  legislature  in  each  state  ; 
and  each  claimed  the  right  to  exercise  sovereign 
power,  within  its  own  jurisdiction,  yielding  due  re- 
spect to  the  advice  and  recommendations  of  the 
General  Congress.  It  soon  became  an  imjiortant 
question  in  Massachusetts,  what  should  be  the 
particular  form  of  civil  gover  nment.  Some  gave 
an  opinion  in  favour  of  one  branch  for  the  legisla- 
ture, others  prefered  two  branches,  as  in  the  Bri- 
tish parliament.  There  was  indeed  no  necessity 
for  an  immediate  decision  on  the  subject.  For 
the  government  was  then  such  as  had  long  existed 
in  the  colony,  except  a vacancy  of  the  office  of 
governor,  the  duties  of  which  were  performed  by 
the  executive  council.  It  was  proposed  however, 
at  this  session  of  the  General  Court,  to  appoint  a 
committee  of  their  own  body,  to  prepare  a form 
of  government ; but  they  did  not  proceed  to  the 
business,  as  the  opinion  was  generally  expressed, 
that  the  subject  ought  to  originate  with  the  peo- 
ple, and  that  they  should  elect  delegates  for  that 
specific  purpose  : and  accordingly,  it  was  only  re- 
commended by  the  House  of  Representatives  to 
their  constituents,  to  choose  their  deputies  to  the 
next  General  Court,  with  power  to  adopt  a form 
of  government  for  the  state.  This  advice  was 
first  given  in  September  1776:  and  afterwards 
more  formally,  in  April  1777.  Between  these 
dates,  the  committees  of  safety  from  a majority 
of  the  towns  in  Worcester  county  assembled,  and 
voted  that  it  would  not  be  proper  for  the  (then) 


118 


General  Court  to  form  a constitution ; but  that  a 
convention  of  delegates  from  all  the  towns  in  the 
state  should  be  called  for  the  express  purpose. 

In  the  month  of  August,  a day  was  set  apart  by 
the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  for  public 
humiliation  and  prayer.  The  situation  of  the 
state  and  of  the  country  was  very  critical.  The 
enemy  had  two  large  armies,  commanded  by  able 
generals,  resolved,  if  possible,  to  overrun  the  con- 
tinent. The  one  at  New  York  consisted  of  nearly 
20,000  men ; and  that  on  Lake  Champlain  at 
the  northward,  was  estimated  at  12,  or  14,000. 
Many  of  the  American  troops,  though  probably  ' 
almost  as  numerous  as  the  British,  were  militia 
called  out  for  only  a few  months.  And  the  re- 
sources of  the  country  were  too  limited  to  furnish 
all  needful  means  of  defence  against  such  a for- 
midable enemy.  But  no  efforts  were  spared  to 
oppose  a sufhcient  force  to  the  invaders,  for  de- 
fending the  United  States ; and  no  part  of  the 
country'  afforded  more  ready  assistance®  than  Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Another  requisition  for  men  was  made  on  Mas- 
sachusetts in  September  by  Congress,  who  had 
been  solicited  by  general  Washington  to  furnish 
a fresh  supply  of  troops;  and  the  legislature  or- 
dered every  ffth  man  to  march  to  the  neighbour- 
hood of  New  York,  the  quarters  of  the  com- 
mander in  chief.  The  towns  on  the  sea  coast 
were  excepted,  in  this  order  of  the  General  Court, 
as  their  service  would  probably  be  required  for 
the  defence  of  the  state.  Major  General  Lincoln 
was  appointed  to  command  this  detachment ; and 
they  marched  immediately  to  Fairfield  in  Connec- 
ticut, with  directions  to  report  themselves  to  gene- 


119 


ral  Washington.  They  were  raised  to  remain  in 
service  until  such  time  as  the  General  Court  should 
determine,  though  an  assurance  was  given,  that 
they  would  probably  be  discharged  within  three 
months.  In  the  terms  of  enlistment,  it  was  also 
stated  that  they  were  to  serve  in  the  New  En- 
gland States,  or  in  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 
Before  the  whole  of  these  were  ready  to  march, 
two  regiments  were  ordered  to  Rhode  Island, 
which  was  now  attacked  by  a British  squadron, 
and  whale  boats  were  furnished  to  convey  them 
from  Falmouth,  Dartmouth  and  Buzzard’s  bay. 
The  residue  were  discharged  in  two  months,  as 
the  British  near  New  York  discovered  no  disposi- 
tion to  penetrate  into  the  country,  and  part  of  their 
fleet  sailed  to  Newport.  General  Lincoln  soon  after 
took  command  of  the  troops  raised  for  the  de- 
fence of  Rhode  Island.  The  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts,  in  the  same  month,  employed  a 
large  number  of  ship  carpenters  to  repair  to  the 
army  on  Lake  Champlain,  where  it  Avas  consider- 
ed important  to  have  a fleet  of  small  vessels  to 
check  the  enemy  ; and,  at  the  request  of  general 
Schuyler,  they  furnished  him  Avith  powder,  nails, 
&c.  in  that  quarter.  Misfortunes  still  attended 
the  American  army  in  the  northern  department. 
The  British  took  several  important  posts  there  in 
August  and  September;  and  Avere  also  victorious 
in  a naval  engagement  on  the  lake. 

With  very  short  intervals,  the  General  Assem- 
bly Avas  in  session  the  Avhole  of  this  year.  The 
one  formed  in  July  1775,  Avas  together  until  the 
middle  of  May  1770:  and  afterwards,  there  Avere 
only  three  adjournments  of  the  court  for  a feAv 
Aveeks  for  the  residue  of  the  year;  in  November 


122 


CHAPTER  V. 

Continental  army  for  1777  . . . Slavery  forbidden  . . . Several  calls  for  mill* 
tia  . . . Invasion  of  Rhode  Island  under  general  Lincoln  . . . Military  stores 
from  France  . . , Monopolies  and  depreciation  . . . Additional  State  troops, 
and  drafts  of  militia. 

In  the  month  of  September  of  this  year,  (1776)* 
in  order  to  prepare  seasonably  for  a powerful 
army  for  the  next  campaign,  Congress  recommend- 
ed that  70,000  men  be  raised  by  the  States  for 
the  term  of  three  years,  or  during  the  war  ; and 
apportioned  to  the  several  States  their  respective 
quotas.  Massachusetts  was  first  required  to  raise 
fifteen  battalions ; and  soon  after  there  was  a 
requisition  for  two  additional  regiments,  and  a 
battalion  of  artillery  ; being  in  the  whole  about 
thirteen  thousand,  and  nearly  one  fifth  of  the 
whole  continental  establishment.  The  term  for 
which  those  then  in  service  had  engaged  would 
- expire  with  the  present  year,  and  they  had  been 
enlisted  directly  by  continental  agents  and  officers, 
Avithout  the  special  intervention  of  the  individual 
States.  It  Avas  now  concluded  to  have  each  State 
raise  a certain  number  of  troops,  but  Avhen  enlisted, 
to  form,  as  before,  a continental  army.  The  time 
for  which  they  Avere  to  enlist,  was  to  be  so  long 

^ Members  of  Congress  for  177G,  from  Massachusetts, 
S.  Adams,  J.  Adams,  J.  Hancock,  R.  T.  Paine,  and  E.  Gerry. 


123 


as  the  war  might  continue  ; or  at  least  for  the 
period  of  three  years.  This  was  certainly  a wise 
and  judicious  plan ; but  some  of  the  States  were 
averse  to  it,  as  the  people  objected  to  an  engage- 
ment in  the  service  for  more  than  a year.  Nor 
will  this  appear  strange,  when  it  is  recollected 
that  most  of  the  soldiers  were  the  yeomanry  and 
citizens  of  the  country,  who  were  unwilling  to 
devote  themselves  to  a military  life. 

A committee  of  the  Legislature  of  Massachu- 
setts was  chosen  in  October,  to  go  on  to  the  head 
quarters  of  general  Washington,  and  if  necessary, 
to  Philadelphia,  to  consult  with  Congress  upon 
the  subject  of  bounty  and  wages  for  the  soldiers. 
They  waited  on  the  commander  in  chief,  and  hav- 
ing made  known  the  object  of  their  mission,  desir- 
ed to  learn  if  an  enlistment  for  one  year  would 
not  meet  his  approbation.  He  was  very  decided,* 
that  during  the  war,  or  three  years,  should  be  the 
term  of  the  enlistment  ; and  expressed  a strong 
apprehension  of  the  final  success  of  the  British, 
unless  the  States  would  consent  to  raise  an  army 
for  a long  period,  so  that  the  men  could  be  taught 
the  military  discipline.  He  had  already  suffered 
much  for  want  of  regular  troops,  on  whom  he 
could  rely  for  a long  period  of  service.  Many  of  his 
men  were  militia  at  that  time ; he  saw  that  he  must 
depend  upon  the  militia  also  at  the  close  of  the 

* Hon.  Mr.  Partridge,  one  of  the  committee,  related  after- 
wards, that  he  never  saw  Washington  discover  any  thing  but 
perfect  self-command,  except  on  that  occasion.  When  a year 
was  mentioned  for  the  time  of  service,  he  started  from  his 
chair,  and  exclaimed,  ‘‘  Good  God,  gentlemen,  our  cause  is 
ruined,  if  you  engage  men  only  for  a year.  You  must  not 
think  of  it.  If  we  ever  hope  for  success,  we  must  have  men 
enlisted  for  the  whole  term  of  the  war.’' 


124 


year,  while  a new  army  should  be  forming ; and 
he  was  determined  to  guard  against  such  an  evil 
at  any  future  period. 

During  this  month,  an  estimate  was  made  of  the 
sums  expended  and  advanced  by  Massachusetts, 
for  the  service  of  the  continent,  in  addition  to  the 
amount  for  various  services  in  the  State,  and  was 
found  to  be  150,000/.,  after  a former  calculation, 
towards  the  close  of  the  preceding  year.  Appli- 
cation was  soon  after  made  to  Congress  for  a reim- 
bursement of  that  sum,  or  the  greater  part  of  it. 
100,000/.  was  ordered  to  be  paid,  and  was  accor- 
dingly sent  on  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Common- 
wealth, the  beginning  of  1777. 

On  several  occasions,  before  this  period,  the 
General  Court  of  Massachusetts  had  expressed  a 
disapprobation  of  the  slave  trade,  and  a disposition 
to  put  an  end  to  the  practice  of  retaining  the 
Africans  in  the  degrading  condition,  in  which  they 
were  held  in  many  parts  of  the  country.  Several 
of  these  unfortunate  persons  were  brought  into 
Salem,  at  this  time,  who  were  found  on  board  a 
British  prize  ship  from  Jamaica,  and  they  were 
publicly  advertised  to  be  sold  ; but  the  Legisla- 
ture forbid  the  sale,  and  ordered  them  to  be  set 
at  liberty. 

A board  of  w^ar  was  appointed  in  October,  for 
the  purpose  of  providing  military  stores,  cannon 
and  fire  arms,  for  the  men  stationed  within  the 
State,  as  w^ell  as  for  those  to  be  enlisted  for  the 
service  of  the  continent.  Several  detachments 
of  the  militia  were  called  for,  at  this  time,  to 
strengthen  the  army  near  New  York,  and  on  the 
lake  ; and  in  December  many  were  marched  to 
Rhode  Island,  for  the  defence  of  Newport.  • All 


125 


these  were  to  be  furnished  with  arms  and  ammu- 
nition; and  though  there  were  some  of  these  in 
the  public  stores,  many  were  to  be  collected  to 
meet  the  great  demand  made  for  them.  Some 
military  articles  were  also  loaned  to  the  governor 
of  Connecticut  for  the  militia  of  that  State,  a 
great  number  of  whom  were  in  service  at  Rhode 
Island,  with  general  Washington,  or  in  the  north- 
ern department. 

During^the  months  of  November  and  December, 
large  detachments  of  the  militia  were  ordered  out 
to  reinforce  the  continental  armies,  and  to  assist  in 
protecting  Rhode  Island,  which  was  attacked,  in 
the  latter  of  these  months,  by  a |)artj  of  the  Bri- 
tish from  New  York,  estimated  at  6000,  with  a 
large  fleet.  Within  the  same  period,  committees 
of  the  legislature  were  sent  on,  both  to  the  head 
quarters  of  Washington  at  the  south,  and  of  Gates 
at  the  north,  to  urge  the  men  belonging  to  Massa- 
chusetts, whose  term  of  service  would  soon  expire, 
to  enlist,  on  the  new  establishment,  for  three 
years,  or  during  the  war ; and  to  prevail  with 
those  who  chose  not  to  engage  for  that  time,  to 
remain  in  service  till  the  new  recruits  should  join 
the  army.  A few  consented  to  remain;  but  many 
returned  home  as  soon  as  their  time  was  out. 
At  this  time,  likewise,  arms  were  furnished  to  all 
the  militia  in  the  county  of  Berkshire,  who  were 
destitute  ; as  it  was  believed  thej^  might  be  called 
out  cn  masse,  to  strengthen  the  army  on  the  lake. 
In  November,  the  two  regiments  stationed  at 
Boston,  and  around  the  harbour,  whose  time 
would  soon  expire,  were  engaged  to  continue  in 
service  several  months  beyond  their  former  enlist- 
ment; and  some  additional  regiments  were  march- 


12(i 


ed  to  New  Jersey  to  join  the  army  under  genera! 
Washington,  who  was  pursued  by  a powerful 
enemy,  and  whose  already  scanty  forces  were 
daily  diminishing.*  Towards  the  close  of  the 
same  month,  the  militia  of  Plymouth  and  Barn- 
stable counties,  were  ordered  to  Rhode  Island  ; 
and  a part  of  them  were  transported  by  whale 
boats  from  Dartmouth,  Falmouth,  and  from  some 
other  places  on  Buzzards  Bay.  Two  regiments 
from  Worcester  county  were  also  marched  to 
Providence  for  the  protection  of  Rhode  Island  ; 
and  the  militia  lately  ordered  to  be  raised  in 
Berkshire  and  Hampshire  counties  were  directed 
to  proceed  to  Albany,  to  act  as  the  public  service 
might  require.  The  latter  were  permitted  soon 
to  return  home  ; for  the  British  retired  into  Ca- 
nada, and  it  was  concluded  by  the  American  ge- 
neral only  to  maintain  his  station  at  Ticonderoga 
for  the  winter. 

The  detachment  of  British  troops  from  the  main 
army  at  New  York  ordered  to  Newport,  at  this 
time,  was  estimated  to  be  nearly  6000 ; and  were 
commanded  by  several  distinguished  officers ; gene- 
ral Clinton,  lord  Piercy,  major  general  Prescott, 
and  others.  A large  number  of  the  militia  from 
Connecticut  and  Massachusetts  were  immediately 
collected  there,  to  act  with  those  of  Rhode  Island, 
and  some  few  continental  troops,  for  the  defence 
of  the  country.  Besides  those  already  ordered 
from  Plymouth  and  Barnstable,  an  additional  num- 
ber w^as  sent  in  from  the  former  county,  and  from 

* Two  regiments  from  Worcester  were  among  them ; and 
a large  company  of  volunteers  of  respectable  citizens  march- 
ed from  Salem,  though  the  people  of  that  town,  being  on  the 
sea  board,  were  not  required  to  furnish  men  at  this  time. 


127 


Bristol,  Suffolk,  and  the  southern  parts  of  Wor- 
cester county.  Major  general  Lincoln,  who  had 
been  sent  on  some  time  before  with  the  militia  of 
Massachusetts  to  reinforce  the  continental  army 
near  New  York,  Avas  ordered  to  take  command  of 
the  troops  at  Rhode  Island  and  Providence.  A 
part  of  those  ordered  for  Rhode  Island,  Avere  di- 
rected to  proceed  to  New  Jersey,  and  join  gene- 
ral Washington,  whose  situation  was  noAV  become 
very  critical,  being  pursued  by  a British  army 
of  regular  troops  estimated  at  15,000,  Avhile  he 
had  scarcely  one  third  of  that  number,  some  of 
Avhich  Avere  temporary  recruits.  Boston  being  thus 
left  unprotected,  two  regiments  Avere  immediately 
raised  in  the  vicinity  for  its  defence.  All  these  va- 
rious establishments  amounted  to  more  than  one 
half  of  the  militia  in  the  counties  above  mentioned, 
besides  a oreat  number  from  all  the  other  counties 
in  the  state. 

The  aspect  of  public  affairs  was,  at  this  period, 
most  gloomy  and  alarming ; and  but  for  the  reso- 
lute efforts  and  brilliant  successes  of  general  Wash- 
ington at  Trenton  and  Princeton,  the  country 
Avould  have  sunk  into  a state  of  despondence.  With 
a handful  of  men,  whom  the  British  general 
thought  scarcely  Avorth  immediate  pursuit,  as  he 
concluded  they  could  not  again  become  formidable, 
Washington  fell  upon  a detached  division  of  the 
enemy  at  each  of  these  places  Avithin  a short  pe- 
riod; and  destroyed  and  captured  almost  the 
Avhole,  to  the  utter  astonishment  of  the  Bi'itish, 
and  carrying  conviction  to  their  fears,  that  they 
Avere  opposed  by  a man  whom  difficulties  could  not 
appal,  nor  numbers  overpoAver.  Many  Massachu- 
setts troops  Avere  Avith  the  commander  in  chief  in 


128 


these  important  attacks ; for,  though  their  term  of 
enlistment  was  about  to  expire,  they  had  been  pre- 
vailed upon  to  remain  till  some  fresh  troops  should 
arrive  for  the  ensuing  year.* 

Among  the  officers  of  high  rank,  then  with  gene- 
ral Washington,  were  Green  and  Knox,  who  urged 
the  pursuit  of  the  enemy  immediately  after  the 
affair  at  Trenton ; which  probably  would  have 
been  attended  with  the  happiest  effects  to  the 
American  arms.  General  Washington  was  in  fa- 
vour of  the  plan ; but  the  majority  of  the  officers 
were  opposed  to  it. 

In  January  (1777)  a plan  was  laid  to  re-take 
fort  Independence,  near  King’s  bridge  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Hudson’s  river  ; which  was  to  be  execut- 
ed by  the  militia  from  Massachusetts  and  Connec- 
ticut, to  the  number  of  about  4000.  Major  general 
Heath  had  the  command,  and  Lincoln,  Wooster, 
and  Parsons,  were  brigadiers  in  the  detachment. 
But  nothing  important  was  effected;  and  it  was 
believed  that  the  general  in  chief  did  not  discover 
all  that  energy  and  promptness  which  some  others 
might  have  exhibited ; and  which  could  not  have 
failed  of  success. 

The  call  for  aid  upon  Massachusetts  by  the 
governor  of  Rhode  Island  in  December,  was  sa 
urgent,  that  almost  the  whole  of  the  militia  in  the 
southern  counties,  and  many  from  Worcester,  Mid- 

* Extract  of  a letter  from  general  Washington,  January 
1777.  “ It  is  painful  for  me  to  hear  such  illiberal  reflections 

upon  the  eastern  troops,  as  you  say  prevails  in  N . I al- 

ways have,  and  always  shall  say,  that  I do  not  believe  any  of 
the  states  produce  better  men.  Equal  injustice  is  done  them 
in  other  respects  : for  no  people  fly  to  arms  more  promptly,  or 
come  better  equipped,  or  with  more  regularity  into  the  field.” 


129 


* dlesex,  and  Suffolk,  were  ordered  for  the  defence 
of  that  state.  It  was  believed  also  to  be  the  plan 
of  the  enemy  to  march  through  the  country  to 
Boston.  The  two  continental  regiments  stationed 
in  the  capital  of  Massachusetts  were  ordered  to 
Providence.  The  corps  of  artillery,  and  an  inde- 
pendent company  soon  followed  ;*  and  several  field 
pieces  and  military  stores  were  sent  on  to  Rhode 
Island  at  the  same  time. 

The  troops  required  of  Massachusetts  for  the 
continental  service,  for  the  whole  period  of  the 
war,  or  three  years,  to  be  enlisted  the  beginning 
of  this  year,  (1777,)  were  raised  with  great  diffi- 
culty. A similar  delay,  indeed,  attended  the  ef- 
forts to  engage  them  in  all  the  other  States.  In 
the  preceding  campaign,  the  Americans  had  been 
generally  unfortunate.  Many  were  desirous  of  re- 
maining at  home  to  provide  for  their  families. 
They  had  sutfered  much  for  want  of  sufficient 
clothing;  and  the  bills  by  which  their  wages  were 
paid  had  depreciated  nearly  one  half.  The  Ge- 
neral Assembly  of  Massachusetts  proposed  to  of- 
fer an  additional  bounty;  but  Congress  disapproved 
of  the  plan,  as  it  would  render  it  necessary  for 
other  states  to  do  the  same,  and  it  was  believed 
that  some  of  them  would  not  consent.  Indeed, 
twenty  dollars  and  land  were  [)romised  by  Con- 
gress ; but  this  was  a very  distant  good,  and  not 
valued  as  it  ought  to  have  been.  Tlie  enlistment 
Avas  so  slow,  that  Massachusetts  engaged  to  pay 
the  men  raised  for  her  regiments,  in  addition  to 
the  offer  by  Congress,  20/.  to  be  paid  in  two  equal 

* One  of  these  was  commanded  by  Thomas  Melvill,  and 
one  by  Henry  Jackson. 

VOL.  IT. 


17 


130 


instalments,  and  promised  that  the  depreciation  of 
paper,  received  in  payment  of  their  wages  from 
the  continent,  should  be  made  up  to  them  by  the 
state.  In  many  cases,  also,  they  were  furnished 
with  clothing  at  a fixed  price,  by  which  they  were 
saved  from  the  loss  to  which  they  would  have  been 
subjected,  if  they  had  received  their  whole  com- 
pensation in  the  bills  of  the  continent. 

Four  of  the  fifteen  regiments  were  raised  with 
all  possible  dispatch  and  ordered  to  the  northward, 
in  January,  where  the  British  movements  now  in- 
dicated the  renewal  of  offensive  operations.*  The 
American  army  in  that  department,  which  in  Oc- 
tober preceding  was  estimated  at  13,000,  including 
militia,  had  been  reduced  to  a number  so  low  as 
to  be  scarcely  adequate  to  the  maintenance  of  the 
fort  of  Tyconderoga.  The  regular  troops  had 
gone  home,  as  their  term  of  service  expired  with 
the  year  just  past ; excepting  the  few  who  had 
been  induced  to  engage  upon  the  new  establish- 
ment. The  militia,  also,  who  had  been  forwarded 
at  different  times  during  the  summer  and  autumn 
of  1776,  for  reinforcing  the  army  in  that  quarter, 
had  been  dismissed.  The  above  number  of  regi- 
ments had  been  requested  by  the  commanding  offi- 
cer in  that  department ; and  great  efforts  were 
made  by  the  General  Court  to  raise  this  portion  at 
an  early  day.  All  the  other  regiments  were  not 
filled  until  the  months  of  May  and  June  ; although 
the  people  were  frequently  urged  to  enlist,  by  all 
the  powerful  considerations,  which  could  operate 
with  free  and  patriotic  citizens.  The  General 

* These  were  commanded  by  Brewer,  Francis,  Bradford, 
and  Marshall. 


131 


Court  prepared  an  address  to  be  read  In  the 
churches  and  at  the  head  of  the  militia  companies, 
soliciting  the  enlistment  of  soldiers  for  three  years 
or  during  the  war.  “ We  entreat  you,”  this  was 
their  language,  “ for  the  sake  of  religion,  for  the 
enjoyment  of  which  our  ancestors  fled  to  a wilder- 
ness, for  the  sake  of  freedom  and  social  happiness, 
^ to  act  vigorously  in  this  critical  stale  of  our  coun- 
try ; and  we  doubt  not  that  your  exertions  will  be 
crowned  with  that  success  which  is  due  to  the 
brave,  the  wise  and  patriotic.”  There  was  a pub- 
lic Fast  this  year  in  January,  by  advice  of  the  Ge- 
neral Court.  Officers  of  militia  and  selectmen  of 
the  several  towns  in  the  state  were  enjoined  to 
make  constant  exertions  for  raising  the  men  re- 
quired. The  proportion  for  each  town  was  de- 
termined, and  a resolve  passed,  that  they  should 
provide  the  number  fixed.  In  some  places,  the 
citizens  were  taken  by  lot  or  drafted  ; and  all  such 
were  obliged  to  enter  the  service  or  to  engage  sol- 
diers in  their  stead.* 

In  January,  as  the  new  levies  came  in  very  slow- 
ly,  general  Washington  called  again  upon  several 
states  for  the  militia,  for  a short  period.  Massa- 
chusetts furnished  2000,  which  joined  the  conti- 
nental army  in  New  Jersey  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary. They  were  forwarded  under  command  of 
general  Lincoln,  who  was  succeeded  as  the  chief 
officer  at  Providence,  by  major  general  Arnold. 
But  general  Spencer  of  Connecticut  soon  after  had 
the  command  on  that  station.  On  this  occasion, 
as  well  as  many  others,  the  militia  were  of  great 

* Every  seventh  man  was  called  for  at  this  period ; and 
the  towns  w'ere  also  required  to  furnish  5000  blnrd^ets, 


132 


service  in  the  war  of  the  revolution.  Lincoln 
was  created  a major  general  in  the  continental  ar- 
my, in  1777,  and  he  possessed  in  a peculiar  degree 
the  esteem  and  confidence  of  the  commander  in 
chief.* 

A greater  part  of  the  British  left  Newport  in 
March,  without  effecting  the  object  of  their  expe- 
dition, except  it  was  merely  to  find  winter  quar- 
ters for  a large  portion  of  their  troops,  who  could 
not  procure  support  at  New  York.  They  excited 
great  apprehensions,  indeed  among  the  inhabitants 
of  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  Connecticut ; 
and  the  exertions  made  to  collect  a military  force 
to  prevent  any  scheme  of  conquest  or  plunder,  oc- 
casioned much  distress  to  the  citizens  of  these 
states,  already  nearly  exhausted  by  other  and  pre- 
vious sacrifices  for  the  public  welfare.  General 
Clinton,  left  Newport  for  England  at  an  earlier 
day  ; and  it  was  supposed  that  there  was  a serious 
misunderstanding  between  him  and  Lord  Piercy, 
who  was  second  in  command  in  this  expedition. 
When  it  was  known,  that  the  British  fleet  was 
preparing  to  sail  from  Newport,  there  was  an  ap- 
prehension that  they  were  destined  for  Boston. 
This  circumstance  induced  the  General  Court  to 
order  the  forts  in  the  harbour  of  Boston  to  be 
repaired  and  manned,  and  to  call  in  the  militia 
to  aid  in  the  defence  of  the  capital.  As  the 
enemy  did  not  proceed  to  Boston  from  Newport, 
the  militia  were  soon  dismissed.  But  two  regi-. 
ments  were  ordered  to  be  raised  for  that  place, 
and  several  companies  in  the  service  of  the  state 

^ Glover,  Patterson,  Learned  and  Nixon  of  Massachusetts, 
were  this  year  appointed  brigadiers,  and  Knox,  general  of 
artillery. 


133 


were  stationed  in  many  towns  on  the  sea  board, 
during  the  year.  In  the  spring  of  1777,  general 
Ward  resigned  his  military  commission,  and  was 
elected  one  of  the  council.  He  was  succeeded 
on  the  Boston  station  by  general  Heath. 

The  private  and  public  armed  vessels  belonging 
to  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  the  larger  ships  com- 
missioned by  the  continent,  were  still  successful  in 
their  cruises  near  the  coast,  and  even  in  the  lati- 
tudes of  the  West  Indies.  Richly  laden  English 
ships  bound  from  those  islands  to  Europe,  and 
others  on  their  voyage  from  Great  Britain  to  New 
York,  to  furnish  the  enemy  with  military  stores, 
provisions  and  clothing,  were  captured  by  the 
Americans;  and  thus  the  continental  troops  were  ‘ 
supplied  with  necessary  articles,  which  it  would 
have  been  impossible,  perhaps,  to  collect  else- 
where. A calculation  was  made  in  England,  that 
in  eighteen  months,  from  July  1775,  to  January 
1777,  the  Americans  had  captured  English  mer- 
chant ships  to  the  amount  of  J, 500,000/.  sterling; 
besides  a great  number  of  transports,  and  provi- 
sion vessels  destined  for  the  British  troops. 

Early  this  season,  in  the  months  of  March  and 
April,  several  ships  arrived  from  France  with 
woollen  and  linen  goods,  hardware,  and  large  quan- 
tities of  fire  arms  and  military  stores.  This  was 
supposed  to  be  in  consequence  of  the  applications 
of  the  American  agents,  Franklin  and  Dean,  then 
at  Paris.  One  of  these  vessels,  which  arrived  at* 
Portsmouth,  had  about  5000  stands  of  arms,  and 
various  other  articles  for  the  American  army. 
The  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  applied  for 
the  fire  arms  to  equip  their  troops  just  then  pre- 
paring to  march  to  Ticondcroga.  Aware  of  the 


134 


necessity  of  the  case,  the  continental  agent  fur- 
nished them;  and  the  new  recruits  were  therefore 
able  to  join  the  northern  army  immediately  ; many 
of  whom  had  been  delayed  for  want  of  this  neces- 
sary article.  Further  efforts  were  required,  in- 
deed, to  complete  the  battalions  alloted  to  Massa- 
chusetts for  the  continental  establishment.  The 
towns  from  which  the  requisite  number  had  not 
been  furnished  were  again  addressed ; and  an  or- 
der of  the  General  Court  was  issued  for  drafting 
them,  if  they  could  not  be  persuaded  voluntarily 
to  enlist.  The  regiments  were  not  entirely  filled 
after  all  these  efforts.*  But  the  militia  were 
frequently  employed,  at  different  times,  and  for 
different  periods,  during  the  season,  by  which  the 
regular  army  was  greatly  strengthened. 

The  General  Court  ordered  a new  emission  of 
paper  in  February  (1777)  to  the  amount  of 
125,000/. ; and  a tax  of  100,000/.  At  the  same 
session,  they  consented  that  general  Ward  should 
order  a part  of  the  continental  troops  to  Provi- 
dence, who  were  stationed  at  or  near  Boston  ; and 
the  citizens  of  the  metropolis,  to  the  number  of 
350,  were  embodied  for  its  defence.  At  this  time, 
400  additional  militia  were  sent  on  to  the  former 
place,  to  complete  the  quota  of  2000,  which  had 
been  before  required  from  Massachusetts.  The 
inhabitants  of  Boston  had  a large  meeting,  during 


*The  commanders  of  the  Massachusetts  regiments  were 
Vose,  Bailey,  Greaton,  Shephard,  Putnam,  Nixon,  Francis, 
Brewer,  Alden,  M.  Jackson,  Wesson,  Marshall,  Bradford,  Smith, 
Bigelow,  H.  Jackson,  and  Crane,  of  artillery.  Francis  was 
killed  early  this  year,  and  Sproat  had  command  of  the  regi- 
ment. Brewer  left  the  service,  and  Topper  took  command 
of  his  regiment.  Brooks  was  lieutenant  colonel  commandant 
of  M.  Jackson’s. 


135 


this  month,  to  take  into  consideration  the  com- 
plaints of  the  poorer  classes,  respecting  monopo- 
lies, and  the  high  prices  on  articles  in  common  use. 
The  conduct  of  some  individuals  was  censured  for 
extortion,  and  more  public  spirit  was  recommend- 
ed ; and  it  was  voted  that  the  names  of  all  who 
should  offend  in  this  way,  in  future,  should  be  made 
public.  There  were  a few  persons  in  the  state, 
also,  who  refused  to  take  the  bills  issued  either  by 
the  General  Court  or  by  Congress,  which  tended 
to  lessen  their  value  in  the  estimation  of  the  com- 
mon people.  This  w^as  severely  condemned,  as 
injurious  to  the  public  Avelfare  and  credit ; and 
many  patriotic  citizens  of  distinction  made  great 
personal  sacrifices  and  efforts  for  the  good  of  the 
community.  But  the  debt  of  the  state  was  so 
great,  and  the  resources  so  inadequate  to  provide 
for  immediate  payment,  that  public  paper  of  all 
kinds  continued  to  depreciate,  which  was  the  occa- 
sion of  great  distress  to  many  of  the  people. 

Lead  and  flints  to  a considerable  amount,  were 
again  furnished  the  state  of  Connecticut,  for  the 
supply  of  their  troops.  Nor  was  this  done  because 
of  a great  quantity  in  Massachusetts ; for  at  this 
time  the  people  Avere  requested  to  take  the  weights 
from  their  windows  for  the  public  use. 

In  March,  companies  Avere  ordered  to  be  raised 
at  the  expense  of  the  state,  and  stationed  at  Fal- 
mouth, Cape  Elizabeth,  Kittery,  NcAvburyport, 
Gloucester,  Salem,  Marblehead,  Plymouth,  and 
Dartmouth.  There  Avere  already  several  compa- 
nies raised  by  the  state  at  different  places  round 
the  harbour  of  Boston,  besides  the  tAvo  continental 
regiments,  generally  on  this  station,  Avhen  not  or- 
dered aAvay  to  head  quarters  on  some  sudden 


136 


emergency.  They  were  so  ordered  to  Rhode 
Island,  on  two  occasions;  once  to  the  head  quar- 
ters of  W ashlngton,  and  once  to  the  northern  de- 
partment. And  in  all  these  instances,  the  militia 
were  embodied  for  the  public  service,  until  the 
troops  enlisted  by  the  order  of  Congress  could  re- 
lieve them.  In  the  same  month,  when  there  was 
an  alarm  at  Boston,  after  the  continental  regiments 
had  marched,  by  consent  of  the  legislature,  to 
strengthen  the  main  army,  and  general  Washington 
was  requested  to  furnish  some  regular  troops,  he 
could  not  prudently  comply  with  the  request,  and 
the  state  was  obliged  to  call  out  the  militia  for  its 
own  protection. 

In  April,  1500  of  the  militia  from  the  counties 
of  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  were  ordered  to 
Tyconderoga.  The  regular  regiments  of  Massa- 
chusetts were  not  yet  even  entirely  full ; and  the 
British  had  commenced  hostilities  with  a force 
much  superior  to  that  emjdoyed  by  them  in  that 
quarter,  the  preceding  year.  A regiment  of 
artillery,  in  addition  to  the  one  raised  for  the  con- 
tinental service,  was  ordered  to  be  enlisted  for 
the  particular  defence  of  the  state ; but  liable, 
however,  by  direction  of  the  General  Court,  to 
do  duty  in  any  part  of  the  Continent.  And  upon 
an  urgent  request  of  the  governor  of  Rhode  Isl- 
and, an  additional  number  of  the  militia  of  Suffolk 
and  Bristol  were  marched  to  Providence.  At  this 
period,  there  still  remained  a large  body  of  the 
enemy  at  Newport,  and  several  ships  of  war  were 
in  the  waters  in  that  vicinity;  by  which  the  peo- 
ple were  kept  in  a constant  state  of  alarm;  and 
the  principal  force  which  could  be  had  to  oppose 
them  was  the  militia  of  that  state  and  of  Massachu- 


137 


setts  and  Connecticut.  Each  of  these,  especially 
the  two  last,  had  several  regiments  of  this  descrip- 
tion of  troops  employed  in  other  places.  General 
Spencer  of  Connecticut  commanded  on  that  sta- 
tion ; and  the  great  object  was  to  defend  the  coun- 
try and  to  prevent  all  attempts  at  further  invasion. 
The  British  were  too  powerful,  especially  as 
they  had  command  of  the  bay  and  river,  to  justi- 
fy the  Americans  in  an  attack ; though  at  a sub- 
sequent period,  it  was  supposed  they  might  have 
acted  with  more  effect  and  with  success,  if  the 
commander  had  been  more  resolute  and  energetic. 
It  was  important  in  the  opinion  of  judicious  in- 
dividuals, that  the  enemy  should  be  driven  from 
their  station  on  Rhode  Island,  and  that  an  attempt 
should  be  made  for  that  purpose.  The  General 
Court  of  Massachusetts  sent  a committee  to  Pro- 
vidence, to  consult  with  the  governor  of  Rhode 
Island,  for  such  an  expedition,  as  well  as  for  the 
defence  of  that  state;  and  they  were  authorised 
to  promise  5000  men,  in  addition  to  2000  already 
there  from  Massachusetts.  But  no  plan  was  set- 
tled for  the  purpose  at  that  time  ; though  a con- 
siderable force  was  kept  up  through  the  season. 
The  militia  of  Massachusetts,  who  had  been  on 
that  station  for  two  months  and  some  even  for  a 
longer  time,  were  relieved  by  1500  others,  early 
in  June.  And  these  again,  after  a short  period, 
were  permitted  to  return  home,  two  regiments 
being  raised  for  six  months,  to  take  their  place. 
At  this  session  of  the  legislature,  a resolve  was 
passed,  requiring  all  the  militia  of  the  state  to  be 
equipped,  and  ready  to  march  at  the  shortest 
notice. 

VOL,  11.  10 


138 


CHAPTER  VI. 


General  Court  1777  . . . Expedition  to  JS'ova  Scotia  . . . Constitution  pre- 
pared by  General  Court,  and  rejected  by  the  people  . . , 4th  of  July 
, . . Militia  to  reinforce  northern  army  . . , Secret  expedition  to  Rhode 
Island  . . , Bourgoyne  checked  and  captured  . . . Affairs  at  the  south  . , , 
Capture  of  captain  Manly. 


When  the  General  Court  was  organized  in 
May,  this  year  (1777)  it  assembled  in  Boston. 
The  representatives  from  that  ancient  town  were 
not  so  numerous  as  the  preceding  year ; there 
being  only  six  returned,  when  for  the  former  year 
there  were  twelve.  The  members  of  the  supreme 
executive  council,  with  the  exception  of  a small 
part,  who  declined  a re-election,  were  the  same 
as  the  year  before.  A board  of  war-  was  again 
chosen,  to  attend  to  the  pressing  demands  for 
military  stores ; and  committees  appointed,  for  fur- 
nishing clothing  and  provisions  for  the  great  body 
of  troops,  which  the  state  had  to  support.  They 
were  estimated  at  about  12,000,  besides  militia, 
and  those  engaged  on  the  sea  coasts  within  its  own 
jurisdiction. 

The  state  incurred  considerable  expense  in  the 
month  of  June  by  projecting  an  expedition  for  the 
defence  and  relief  of  the  people  of  St.  Johns  and 
other  places  on  the  bay  of  F undy,  who  were  friendly 
to  the  United  States  and  called  for  assistance,  as 
they  were  harassed  and  oppressed  by  the  British 


139 


in  Nova  Scotia.  The  expedition  was  proposed 
with  the  consent  of  Congress;  but  it  was  prepar- 
ed by  the  government  and  people  of  Massachu- 
setts. A regiment  was  raised  in  Maine,  and  a 
naval  force,  such  as  was  supposed  would  be  neces- 
sary, was  procured  for  the  purpose.  But  unex- 
pected difficulties  arose  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
plan ; and  after  much  delay,  it  was  abandoned,  in 
the  form  first  intended.  Some  months  after,  how- 
ever, a single  company  from  Maine  without  excit- 
ing alarm  in  the  British  at  Halifax,  proceeded  up 
to  the  head  of  the  bay  of  Fundy,  took  a small 
fort  there  situated,  and  brought  off  several  fami- 
lies, who  were  attached  to  the  cause  of  American 
liberty,  and  obnoxious  to  the  English  government. 
It  had  long  been  meditated  to  afford  assistance  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Nova  Scotia,  many  of  whom 
were  supposed  to  be  friendly  to  the  rights  of 
America.  When  general  Washington  was  at 
Cambridge,  and  during  the  winter  of  1770,  it  was 
represented  to  him,  that  an  expedition  to  that 
province  would  afford  relief  to  some  well  disposed 
citizens,  and  be  of  advantage  to  the  other  colonies. 
He  sent  two  gentlemen  at  that  time  to  learn  the 
views  and  situation  of  the  people  in  Nova  Scotia. 
But  they  proceeded  only  to  the  lines  of  the  pro- 
vince ; and  found  it  would  be  very  hazardous  to 
go  further,  as  the  British  authority  there  was  sus- 
picious of  all  intercourse  between  the  people  of 
that  province  and  Massachusetts.  The  Ii^ians 
in  that  quarter  manifested  a friendly  disposition. 
Some  of  them  were  taken  into  the  pay  of  the 
state,  and  served  with  a battalion  raised  in  the 
course  of  this  year,  for  the  defence  of  the  settle- 
ments in  the  eastern  part  of  Maine. 


140 


During  the  session  in  June,  the  House  of  Repre* 
sentatives  and  the  Council  formed  themselves  into 
a convention  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  a con- 
stitution, or  frame  of  civil  government  for  the 
state  ; and  a committee  of  twelve  was  chosen  to 
consider  the  important  subject.  The  former  Gene- 
ral Court  had  advised  the  people  to  elect  their 
next  representatives  for  such  an  object.  The 
majority  of  towns  in  the  state,  it  would  seem,* 
chose  their  representatives  with  this  view,  and 
gave,  at  least,  an  implied  assent  to  this  mode  of 
forming  a constitution ; although  Boston  and  seve- 
ral other  towns  were  opposed  to  such  a proceed- 
ing, and  expressed  an  opinion,  that  a Convention 
ought  to  be  called,  to  be  composed  of  delegates 
for  the  express  and  sole  purpose  of  preparing  a 
form  of  civil  government.  This  committee  report- 
ed a draft  of  a constitution  in  January  1778,  which 
the  General  Assembly  submitted  to  the  people ; 
but  which  they  did  not  approve.t 

The  fourth  of  July  1777,  being  the  first  anni- 
versary of  the  declaration  of  the  independence  of 
the  United  States,  was  publicly  celebrated  in  Bos- 
ton, by  order  of  the  General  Court,  which  was  sit- 
ting at  that  time.  A sermon  was  delivered  by  the 
chaplain  before  the  representatives,  councillors, 

* It  is  presumed  the  representatives  would  not  have  pro- 
ceeded to  prepare  a constitution,  unless  the  greater  part  of 
the  towns  in  the  state  had  authorised  the  measure.  No  docur 
ment  can  be  found  in  the  secretar}^’s  office,  to  determine  how 
many  towns  voted  for  it.  The  committee  was  composed  of  the 
following  gentlemen: — I.  Powell,  T.  Cushing,  D.  Davis,  I. 
Taylor,  of  the  council ; and  J.  Warren,  R.  T.  Paine,  A.  Orne, 
J.  Bliss,  J.  Prescott,  .1.  Pickering,  G.  Partridge,  J.  Simpson, 
representatives. 

t See  Appendix. 


land  other  public  characters,  military  and  civiL 
I There  was  also  a military  parade  on  the  occasional 
a public  dinner,  and  other  demonstrations  of  grati- 
I tude  and  joy. 

At  this  session,  the  legislature  ordered  specie,  to 
I a considerable  amount,  to  be  sent  to  persons  in 
j prison  at  New  York,  belonging  to  the  state,  whose 
j privations  and  sufferings  were  represented  to  be 
I very  severe.  It  was  forwarded  to  general  Wash- 
j ington,  with  a request  that  he  would  send  it  into 
j New  York  by  a flag  of  truce,  and  take  suitable 
I precaution,  that  is  should  be  safely  delivered. 

At  this  period,  more  of  the  militia  were  ordered 
^ from  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  counties,  to  rein- 
force the  northern  army.  And  a few  weeks  sub- 
i.  sequently,  the  enemy  having  taken  Ticonderoga, 
an  additional  number  was  required  to  proceed  to 
i that  quarter,  not  only  from  those  two  counties,  but 
i from  Worcester,  Middlesex,  York,  and  also  from 
! Suffolk  and  Essex,  except  from  Boston  and  the 
: regiments  in  Essex  on  the  sea  coast.  This  was  an 
urgent  call ; and  every  seventh  man  was  ordered 
to  be  marched  off  with  the  greatest  dispatch."^ 

I General  Heath  was  specially  desired  by  the  House 
' of  Representatives  to  ascertain  what  deficiencies 
I there  were  in  the  regular  regiments  ordered  to  be 
raised  by  the  state,  and  to  use  every  effort  to  com- 
plete the  battalions  which  were  not  already  full. 
Large  sums  were  also  appropriated  for  purchasing 
provisions  and  clothes  for  the  troops  on  the  lake  ; 
and  for  rendering  the  road  passable  through  the 

* In  the  address  of  the  General  Court  to  the  people,  on  this 
occasion,  they  said,  “ we  rely  upon  that  public  virtue,  and 
that  unbounded  love  of  freedom  and  of  their  country,  with 
which  the  militia  of  this  state  have  always  been  inspired.” 


142 


the  western  part  of  the  state,  and  over  the  green 
mountains  in  Vermont.  In  this  month  (August)  a 
day  was  observed  for  fasting  and  praying,  on  ac- 
count of  the  distresses  of  the  people  and  the 
alarming  prospects  of  the  country. 

The  repeated  successes  of  the  British  in  the 
northern  department,  under  general  Bourgoyne, 
had  justly  excited  great  apprehensions,  that  he 
would  make  his  way  to  Albany,  unless  soon  check- 
ed by  a strong  reinforcement  from  the  militia  of 
the  New  England  states.  Should  he  succeed  in 
such  a plan,  he  would  be  joined,  it  was  believed, 
by  the  British  forces  near  New  York,  a part  of 
which  was  then  already  endeavouring  to  ascend 
the  Hudson,  for  the  purpose  of  a junction  with 
the  troops  under  Bourgoyne.  The  southern  and 
northern  states  thus  separated,  it  would  be  com- 
paratively easy  to  subdue  them.  No  time,  there- 
fore, was  to  be  lost,  in  preparing  to  prevent  the 
execution  of  such  a project.  It  was  seen,  that  all 
possible  effort  w^as  demanded  to  save  the  country, 
and  to  defeat  the  bold  schemes  of  the  enemy. 
Although  there  had  then  been  a large  portion  of 
the  militia  of  the  state,  not  in  service  at  Providence 
and  on  the  sea  coast,  ordered  to  reinforce  the  army 
under  general  Gates,  who  had  then  recently  been 
appointed  to  the  command  in  that  quarter,  it  was 
immediately  resolved  to  send  on  an  additional  num- 
ber ; and  one  half  the  residue  in  all  the  western 
counties,  (excepting  the  south  part  of  Worcester, 
from  which  large  drafts  had  then  lately  been  made 
for  Rhode  Island,)  and  in  Middlesex  and  Essex. 
In  the  absence  of  the  continental  troops  from 
Boston,  v/ho  had  also  been  ordered  to  join  the 
army  under  general  Gates,  several  companies  of 


the  militia  from  SufFolk  and  Middlesex  were  called 
out  to  protect  the  capital,  and  to  guard  the  mili- 
tary stores  in  that  place,  in  Cambridge  and  Wa- 
tertown. 

An  expedition  was  planned  in  September,  by  the 
General  Assembly,  with  the  knowledge  and  at  the 
request  of  the  governors  of  Rhode  Island  and 
Connecticut ; the  object  of  which,  though  not  pub- 
iiciy  knowii  the  time,  (for  it  was  called  a secret 
expedition,)  vvas  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  ene- 
my at  Newport,  in  the  hope  of  forcing  them  to  re- 
tire from  that  place.  It  was  ordered  that  3000 
troops  be  raised,  immediately,  from  Bristol,  Ply- 
mouth and  Barnstable,  and  the  southern  parts  of 
Suffolk,  Middlesex  and  Worcester.  The  state  re- 
giment of  artillery,  under  colonel  Crafts,  was  also 
to  make  a part  of  the  detachment.  Two  briga- 
diers were  to  be  in  the  command;  and  the  whole 
of  the  Massachusetts  militia  to  be  under  major 
general  Hancock,  who  was  then  absent  from  Con- 
gress, and  resident  in  Boston.  General  Spencer  of 
Connecticut  commanded  the  whole  force.  After 
great  exertions,  the  most  of  the  men  called  for 
Avere  raised,  and  marched  to  Providence  and  vicini- 
ty. But  the  British  troops  on  Rhode  Island,  at 
this  period,  were  numerous,  and  no  attack  was 
made  upon  them.  Much  blame  was  attached  to 
the  brigadier  generals,  and  to  Spencer,  the  com- 
mander in  chief,  and  there  was  probably  some 
foundation  for  the  complaints  against  them.  But 
the  expedition  was  projected  at  a time  when  there 
were  great  demands  upon  the  state  for  troops  to 
reinforce  general  Gates,  and  it  was  impossible,  per- 
haps, to  furnish  a force  sufficient  to  liave  justified 
a descent  upon  Rhode  Island.  It  Avas  of  great 


144 


service  to  the  country,  at  that  critical  period,  to 
have  prevented  the  enemy  on  the  Island,  from  ex- 
tending their  conquest  to  other  places  in  the  vicini- 
ty. There  was  a court  of  inquiry  soon  after;  but 
both  Spencer  and  Palmer,  a brigadier  of  Massa- 
chusetts militia,  who  had  been  censured,  were  ac- 
quitted. There  was  evidence  of  some  want  of 
promptness  on  the  part  of  Palmer ; but  it  was  ex- 
cused, because  of  the  difficulty  of  collecting  the 
militia  at  the  time  appointed. 

The  affairs  in  the  north,  where  the  attention  of 
the  New  England  states  was  particularly  directed, 
at  this  time,  were  now  fast  approaching  to  a crisis. 
Bourgoyne,  who  had  been  driving  the  American 
army  before  him  for  months,  and  capturing  post 
after  post,  had  penetrated  so  far  into  the  country 
from  Canada,  that  he  could  not  retreat,  without 
subjecting  himself  to  disgrace,  and  his  army  to 
great  loss,  if  not  to  total  defeat.  His  hazardous 
situation  was  seen  by  the  American  general,  and  he 
meditated  the  capture  of  the  conquering  enemy. 
The  militia  were  called  for,  and  they  marched 
with  great  spirit  and  dispatch.  Those  from  New 
Hampshire  and  the  grants,  (afterwards  Vermont,) 
were  early  assembled,  and  first  taught  the  British 
regular  troops,  that  the  hardy  yeomanry  of  the 
soil  could  oppose  formidable  obstacles  to  their 
progress.  A detachment  of  the  enemy,  of  about 
1000  men,  sent  by  general  Bourgoyne  to  scour 
the  country,  to  collect  provisions,  and  to  prepare 
for  the  reception  of  the  whole  British  army,  which, 
in  the  moment  of  success,  was  supposed  could  sub- 
due the  country,  wherever  it  might  choose  to  pro- 
ceed, was  attacked  near  Bennington  by  a party  of 
the  militia,  under  the  brave  and  intrepid  general 


Stark,  and  totally  defeated.  He  took  300  pri- 
soners and  two  valuable  field  pieces,  in  the  first 
attack.  The  enemy  retreated,  and  were  pursued 
by  the  Americans ; and,  though  reinforced  by  1000 
fresh  troops.  Stark,  with  a small  additional  num- 
ber who  joined  him,  again  gave  them  battle,  and 
obliged  them  to  retreat  with  great  slaughter.  Se- 
veral other  field  pieces  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Americans,  and  upwards  of  300  more  of  the  Bri- 
tish party  were  taken ; making  in  the  whole  650, 
besides  nearly  300  killed  and  wounded.  The  total 
loss  of  the  enemy  was  930.  This  brilliant  affair, 
while  it  convinced  general  Bourgoyne  that  the 
country  would  not  be  so  easily  subdued  as  he  had 
imagined,  gave  great  encouragement  and  confidence 
to  the  American  troops. 

The  British  army  continued,  indeed,  to  advance 
still  further  into  the  country,  in  the  direction  of 
Albany,  in  pursuance,  probably,  of  an  understand- 
ing with  general  Clinton,  who  was  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  New  York,  that  he  would  pass  up 
the  Hudson  and  join  Bourgoyne  in  that  quarter. 
But  the  progress  was  slow,  and  every  day’s 
march  manifested  to  the  wary  chief,  the  necessity 
of  caution  and  circumspection.  When  he  had  ad- 
vanced some  distance  south  of  lake  Champlain, 
the  Americans,  under  general  Lincoln  of  Massa- 
chusetts, who  had  then  lately  joined  the  northern 
army,*  made  a diversion  in  his  rear,  and  cut  off  all 
communication  between  the  British  camp  and  the 
fortresses  which  they  had  left.  It  remained  now, 
that  the  British  general  must  press  forward,  op- 

* Lincoln  was  first  selected  by  general  Washington  for  this 
department,  when  Schuyler  had  the  command  there ; “ be- 
cause of  his  great  decision  and  energy  of  character.” 

VOL.  II.  19 


U6 


posed  as  he  was  by  a very  powerful  force  under 
general  Gates,  or  attempt  to  return  to  his  forts  on 
the  lake,  which  would  be  almost  equally  hazardous. 
Leaving  a number  of  men  at  fort  Independence,  on 
the  southern  border  of  the  lake,  Lincoln  joined 
the  main  army  under  Gates,  to  act  in  concert 
against  the  enemy.  On  the  l9th  of  September, 
a severe  and  almost  general  action  took  place  be- 
tween the  two  armies,  near  Saratoga.  The  ad- 
vanced guards  of  the  Americans  were  attacked  by 
three  regiments  of  the  British,  about  a mile  in 
front  of  their  main  body,  when,  after  an  obstinate 
resistance,  the  latter  were  obliged  to  retire  with 
considerable  loss.  But  they  were  soon  reinforced, 
and  resumed  the  attack.  The  advanced  party  of 
the  continental  troops  received  support  from  Ar- 
nold’s division ; and  thus  united,  they  were  able  to 
check  the  enemy,  the  greater  part  of  whose  whole 
force  was  soon  brought  into  action,  for  the  safety 
of  the  party  first  engaged.  The  Americans  main- 
tained their  position,  although  not  more  than  half 
the  troops  under  general  Gates  was  on  the  field. 
The  loss  of  the  British  was  reported  to  be  about 
1000,  in  killed,  wounded  and  taken;  and  the  Ame- 
ricans did  not  exceed  320. 

Another  attack  took  place  on  the  7th  of  Octo- 
ber, by  the  right  wing  of  the  British  attempting 
to  take  post  on  the  right  of  the  Americans.  The 
scouts  of  the  latter  were  driven  in,  and  the  former 
advanced  rapidly.  Three  regiments  of  the  Ame- 
ricans were  ordered  to  receive  them,  who  met 
them  when  they  had  approached  within  a mile  of 
their  lines.  Each  party  pushed  for  an  eminence, 
which  was  situated  between  them ; and  the  Ame- 
ricans had  the  good  fortune  to  gain  it.  Theven- 


147 


gagement  continued  through  the  afternoon  without 
intermission.  The  enemy  soon  fell  back,  and  were 
closely  pursued  a distance  of  nearly  two  miles. 
The  continental  troops  entered  one  of  the  British 
entrenchments  sword  in  hand.  The  evening  being 
very  dark,  they  could  not  with  prudence  attack 
any  other  posts.  They  halted  for  the  night  within 
half  a mile  of  the  main  body  of  the  enemy.  Bour- 
goyne  moved  off  silently  during  the  night  to  a dis- 
tant position,  which  was  more  strongly  fortified. 
On  the  following  day,  there  were  frequent  skir- 
mishes, between  the  advanced  parties  of  the  two 
hostile  armies ; many  were  wounded  on  both  sides, 
and  some  of  the  British  were  made  prisoners.  In 
reconnoitering  the  enemy’s  movements,  general 
Lincoln  was  wounded  in  the  leg  *,  which  obliged 
him  to  retire  from  the  public  service  for  several 
months.  It  was  supposed  he  must  have  submitted 
to  the  amputation  of  his  limb ; but  he  recovered 
without  so  great  a loss  ; and  soon  after  joined  the 
continental  army  in  the  southern  department. 

Among  the  many  American  officers  who  were 
distinguished  in  these  several  engagements,  were 
colonel  Brooks  of  Massachusetts  and  major  Dear- 
born of  New  Hampshire.  On  the  \9th  of  Sep- 
tember and  the  7th  of  October,  they  conducted 
with  great  spirit  and  bravery  : and  Brooks  was 
the  last  who  left  the  ground  on  the  evening  of 
the  }9th  after  the  enemy  retired.  Colonel  Col- 
burn of  the  Massachusetts  line,  who  was  killed  in 
the  battle  of  that  day,  was  much  lamented. 
Colonel  Francis,  a highly  meritorious  officer  of  the 
Massachusetts  line,  was  killed  at  an  earlier  period 
of  this  campaign.  He  had  command  of  the  rear 
of  the  American  troops  on  the  retreat  from  Ty- 


, conderago  in  August,  when  St.  Clair  was  general 
in  chief  in  that  quarter.  He  was  overpowered 
by  a superior  force  of  the  pursuing  enemies;  and 
received  a mortal  wound,  while  bravely  attempt- 
ing to  protect  his  men  from  their  avenging  arm. 
The  British  lost  many  officers  of  high  rank  and 
great  merit.  General  Frazer,  who  was  killed  on 
the  occasion,  was  considered  one  of  the  first  mili- 
tary characters  in  their  army.  And  he  was  also 
beloved  for  his  accomplishments  and  virtues  as  a 
man. 

General  Bourgoyne,  receiving  no  reinforcements, 
and  surrounded  by  a numerous  army,  found  him- 
self obliged  on  the  \9th  of  October  to  surrender 
his  troops  as  prisoners  of  war  to  the  Americans. 
They  were  marched  to  the  vicinity  of  Boston ; 
and  barracks  were  provided  for  their  reception, 
on  Prospect  and  Winter  Hills.  The  greater  part 
of  the  continental  army,  after  the  capture  of  Bour- 
goyne, was  ordered  from  Saratoga  to  join  general 
Washington  near  Philadelphia;  and  soon  after 
went  into  winter  quarters  at  Valley  Forge. 

General  Stark  of  New  Hampshire,  who  com- 
manded the  militia  in  the  brilliant  affair  of  Ben- 
nington, presented  to  the  legislature  of  Massachu- 
setts several  military  articles  taken  from  the  Bri- 
tish on  that  occasion.  A letter  of  thanks  was 
written  to  general  Stajk  by  order  of  the  assem- 
bly ; and  it  was  voted  ‘‘  that  the  trophies  should 
be  preserved  in  the  archieves  of  the  state.” 
They  have  a conspicuous  place  in  the  spacious 
room  occupied  by  the  Senate.* 

* A present  was  ordered  by  the  legislature  to  general 
Stark,  of  a suit  of  clothes  and  a piece  of  linen.  At  the  pre- 
sent time,  it  may  appear  an  insignificant  gift ; but  it  should 


149 


The  greatest  portion  of  the  British  troops  in 
America  were,  during  this  year,  in  the  vicinity  of 
New  York,  in  New  Jersey  and  on  the  Delaware 
near  Philadelphia,  under  general  Howe,  the  com- 
mander in  chief  of  all  the  English  forces  on  the 
continent.*  To  watch  his  motions,  and  to  protect 
that  part  of  the  country  from  depredations,  w^as 
the  arduous  and  responsible  duly  of  general 
Washington.  He  had  not  a sufficient  force,  at 
any  time,  to  justify  him  in  seeking  a general  en- 
gagement with  the  British  ; and  one  unfortunate 
battle,  on  his  part,  would  have  put  the  country  in 
imminent  danger  of  an  entire  and  speedy  conquest, 
by  the  enemy.  In  his  situation,  it  was  the  dictate 
of  patriotism  as  well  as  of  prudence,  to  act  chiefly 
on  the  defensive.  Yet  there  were'occasions,  when 
Washington  thought  it  necessary,  as  in  the  affairs 
of  Trenton  and  Princeton  the  pi’eceding  year,  to 
engage  in  more  decisive  operations.  Towards  the 
close  of  August,  lord  Howe  landed  a large  force 
from  New  York,  near  the  mouth  of  Elk  river,  of 
about  25,000.  General  Washington  marched  from 
the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia  where  he  then  was, 
to  Wilmington,  a few  miles  from  the  position 
which  the  enemy  occupied.  Congress  called  upon 
the  militia  of  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey,  who 
collected  under  generals  Cadwallader  and  Dickin- 
son ; and  general  Sullivai^  with  his  division  was 

rather  be  considered  as  proof  of  their  poverty,  than  as  want 
of  gratitude  or  of  a just  appreciation  of  his  great  merits. 

* The  whole  number  of  British  troops  in  America,  before 
the  capture  of  Bourgoyne,  was  estimated  at  50,000.  From 
the  beginning  of  1775  to  October  1777,  inclusive,  their  loss 
was  said  to  be  as  follows,  9,000  killed  11,000  wounded, 
(0,000,  prisoners ; making  about  30,000  in  the  whole. 


150 


directed  to  join  the  main  army  under  Washington. 
The  British  approached  the  Americans  within 
two  miles ; but  soon  filed  off,  with  a view  to  pos- 
sess themselves  of  a fort  on  the  heights  of  Brandy- 
wine. Washington,  aware  of  their  intention,  de- 
tached general  lord  Sterling  with  a division  to 
anticipate  them.  The  following  morning,  Sep- 
tember 1 H/i,  a general  action  commenced,  which 
continued,  with  different  degrees  of  intenseness 
through  the  day.  The  British  were  greatly  supe- 
rior to  the  Americans  in  number.  But  through 
the  skill  and  activity  of  general  Washington,  and 
the  gallantry  of  the  officers  and  men  under  his 
command,  the  Americans  maintained  their  position 
during  the  whole  day  ; and  in  the  night,  retired 
in  good  order,  without  being  pursued  by  the  ene- 
my. General  Washington  had  almost  1000  men 
killed  and  wounded  ; and  the  loss  of  the  British 
was  reported  to  be  double  that  number.  The 
marquis  de  Lafayette,  a French  nobleman  of  great 
merit,  who  had  a short  time  before  joined  the 
American  army,  and  was  acting  as  a volunteer, 
received  a severe  wound  in  this  action.  Captain 
Bryant,  a brave  officer  in  the  Massachusetts  line, 
from  Boston,  was  slain  in  this  battle  : and  in  No- 
vember, a captain  Treat  of  Boston  was  killed  in 
the  attack  upon  Fort  Mifflin  on  Mud  Island,  who 
was  highly  esteemed  for  his  intrepidity  and  cour- 
age. On  the  fourth  of  October  another  action 
took  place  between  the  continental  troops  and 
general  Howe,  at  Germantown,  within  eight  miles 
of  Philadelphia.  The  enemy  were  then  station- 
ed in  that  city,  of  which  they  took  possession  a 
few  days  after  the  affair  at  Brandywine.  The 
British  general,  having  detached  a part  of  his 


troops,  with  a view  to  reduce  some  posts  on  the 
Delaware  possessed  by  the  Americans,  general 
Washington,  with  advice  of  his  officers  concluded 
to  make  an  attack  upon  the  British  force  station- 
ed at  Germantown.  In  the  first  attack,  the  Ame- 
ricans were  successful ; but  the  morning  was  very 
foggy,  and  the  plans  of  Washington  were  interrupt- 
ed ; so  that  the  result  was  not  such  as  w’ as  promised 
by  the  good  fortune  of  the  morning.  Two  sepa- 
rate divisions  of  the  continental  troops  mistook 
each  other  for  the  enemy,  which  was  the  occasion 
of  much  embarrassment  and  misfortune.  The  Bri- 
tish gained  nothing  in  this  affair;  and  the  Ameri- 
cans lost  neither  reputation  nor  stores.  Their  loss 
of  men  was  not  great,  though  several  brave  officers 
fell  in  the  battle ; among  whom  was  brigadier 
general  Nash  of  Carolina.  Sullivan  and  Greene 
distinguished  themselves  on  this  occasion ; and 
were  particularly  applauded  by  the  commander  in 
chief,  who  was  in  the  field  through  the  whole  en- 
gagement. 

In  the  summer  of  1777,  captain  Manly  in  the 
Hancock,  a public  ship  of  thirty  two  guns,  was 
taken  by  a British  forty  gun  ship,  commanded  by 
sir  George  Collier.  A few  days  before  this  un- 
fortunate affair.  Manly  captured  a sloop  of  war 
of  twenty  eight  guns.  He  was  exchanged  the 
next  year,  and  appointed  to  the  command  of  a 
larger  frigate. 


152 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Taxes . . . Men  raised  for  defence  of  the  state,  and  for  the  continental 
army  . . . Addresses  to  the  people  . . . Confederation  . . . Judges  . . . General 
Court  sit  in  Roxbury  ...  Constitution  disapproved  in  1778  ...  British 
at  Newport ...  French  Fleet  ...  Americans  retreat ...  Lafayette  . 
Fort  Alden  taken  . . . British  commissioners  offer  terms  of  peace  . . . Gene- 
ral Gates  commands  in  Boston  . . . Opinion  of  British  statesmen. 

After  a short  recess  the  first  of  November, 
(1777)  the  General  Court  met  in  the  latter  part 
of  that  month  and  found  several  important  sub- 
jects demanded  attention.  Congress  had  then  re- 
cently recommended  to  the  states  to  raise  by  tax, 
five  millions  of  dollars ; and  the  amount  required 
of  Massachusetts  was  820,000,  a quarter  more 
than  any  other  state.  The  legislature,  soon  after, 
resolved  to  raise  75,000/.  immediately  by  loans, 
and  laid  a tax  also  of  240,000/.  Massachusetts 
was,  at  this  time,  much  in  advance  to  the  United 
States,  and  appointed  agents  to  request  an  adjust- 
ment of  its  claims.  The  period,  for  which  the 
militia  at  Rhode  Island  and  the  companies  on  the 
sea  coast  had  engaged  was  about  to  expire  ; and 
it  became  necessary  to  provide  for  the  enlistment 
of  others  to  supply  their  places.  It  was  accord- 
ingly ordered,  that  two  regiments  be  raised  for  a 
year,  to  serve  in  Rhode  Island  or  in  any  of  the 
New  England  states.  Some  of  the  militia  were 
also  called  out  for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast,  at 


I 


the  same  places  as  had  been  guarded  the  year 
past;  but  in  some  towns,  a less  number  was  pro- 
vided. Detachments  were  ordered,  likewise,  on 
the  request  of  general  Heath,  still  commanding 
on  the  Boston  station,  from  the  militia  nearest  to 
the  metropolis,  amounting  to  about  a regiment  in 
the  whole,  to  serve  as  guards  for  the  public  stores, 
and  for  the  defence  of  that  place  and  harbour. 
The  court  loaned  general  Heath,  at  this  time, 
$30,000,  for  the  continental  service  : and  to  do 
this,  they  were  obliged  to  borrow  it  of  individuals. 

In  February  1778,  a committee  was  sent  by 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  to  confer  with 
general  Washington  upon  the  expediency  of  rais- 
ing more  men  than  the  quota  before  required,  and 
to  consult  him  as  to  the  time,  for  which  it  would 
be  necessary  to  engage  them.  This  committee 
were  particularly  instructed  “ to  assure  him  that 
this  state,  in  testimony  of  their  peculiar  affection 
and  respect  for  him,  which  he  had  so  highly 
merited  by  his  incessant  and  unwearied  exertions 
in  behalf  of  the  country,  as  w'ell  as  from  what 
they  ow^e  to  the  common  cause,  wdll  cheerfully  co- 
operate with  him,  as  far  their  ability  will  admit,  in 
endeavours  to  expel  the  enemy,  and  to  free  Ame- 
rica from  thraldom  and  slavery.”  Soon  after,  the 
assembly  voted  to  furnish,  gratis,  a full  suit  of 
clothes  to  every  soldier  from  Massachusetts  in  the 
continental  army.  The  field  and  other  officers 
who  had  been  some  time  in  the  service,  and 
engaged  still  to  continue,  had  an  additional  sum 
granted  them  ; the  former  150  dollars,  and  the  lat- 
ter 120.  Many  of  the  officers  had  then  recently 
resigned  their  commissions  and  returned  to  their 
families;  which  were  in  such  destitute  circumstan- 
voL.  ir.  20 


J54 


CCS,  as  to  induce  even  those  who  were  truly  pat- 
riotic to  return  home. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  the  committee  from 
their  visit  to  general  Washington,  the  legislature 
of  Massachusetts  issued  fresh  orders  to  those  towns 
which  were  still  delinquent  in  raising  their  re- 
spective quotas  of  men  for  the  three  years’  service, 
and  subjected  such  as  did  not  immediately  comply, 
to  a heavy  fine ; and  the  attorney-general  was 
directed  to  prosecute  them.  As  it  was  difficult  to 
prevail  on  men  to  engage  for  so  long  a period,  it  was 
resolved  by  the  General  Court,  a few  weeks  after, 
to  raise  2000  men  for  eight  or  nine  months,  to  fill 
up  their  sixteen  regiments  in  the  continental  esta- 
blishment. For  this  purpose,  a particular  number 
was  required  of  each  town  in  the  state;  and  com- 
mittees were  also  appointed  in  every  county  to 
hasten  the  enlistment,  and  to  send  on  the  men  to 
the  army  under  general  Washington.  All  those 
towns  which  should  have  their  respective  numbers 
raised  by  the  first  of  May,  were  promised  a bounty. 
The  board  of  war  in  Massachusetts  was  also  re- 
quired to  furnish  arms,  and  such  other  accoutre- 
ments as  should  be  necessary  for  their  equipment. 
The  same  week  that  this  order  issued,  the  Assem- 
bly resolved  to  raise  IfiOO ; 1300  of  which  were 
to  be  stationed  on  the  northern  frontier,  for  eight 
months,  and  200  for  the  defence  of  Rhode  Island. 
These  men  were  called  out  by  particular  and  urgent 
request  of  Congress.  The  force  of  the  enemy 
was  still  great  at  that  place  ; and  it  was  thought 
necessary  to  keep  a number  of  troops  in  that 
quarter,  to  prevent  their  predatory  incursions  into 
the  surrounding  country. 

To  animate  the  people  to  patriotic  exertions  at 


this  critical  period,  Avhen  the  country  was  as  much 
exposed  as  in  any  former  season,  and  when  extra- 
ordinary efforts  were  necessary  to  justify  any  hope 
of  success,  addresses  were  prepared  and  published 
by  Congress,  and  by  the  legislatures  of  several  of  the 
States,  as  well  as  by  many  individuals,  who  were 
deeply  impressed  with  the  danger  which  impend- 
ed. Language  such  as  this  was  used: — “Act  like 
yourselves.  Arouse  at  the  call  of  Washington  and 
of  your  country,  and  you  will  soon  be  crowned 
with  glory,  independence,  and  peace.  Present  ease 
and  interest  we  must  part  with  for  a time ; and 
let  us  rejoice  at  the  sacrifice.” — “ What  words 
can  paint  the  solid  joys,  the  delightful  recollec- 
tions, which  wfill  fill  the  patriotic  mind  hereafter. 
He  who  wishes  for  permanent  happiness,  let  him 
now  put  forth  all  his  strength  for  the  immediate 
salvation  of  his  country,  and  he  shall  reap  immor- 
tal pleasure  and  renown.  It  is  good  for  us  to 
anticipate  the  joy  that  will  fill  our  minds,  Avhen 
we  shall  receive  the  reward  of  our  labours;  when 
we  shall  see  our  country  flourish  in  peace ; wdien 
grateful  millions  shall  hail  us  the  protectors  of  our 
country,  and  an  approving  conscience  shall  light 
up  eternal  sunshine  in  our  souls.” — “ Considering 
the  noble  ardour  which  has  been  heretofore  mani- 
fested in  the  common  cause,  we  feel  confident  that 
the  virtuous  yeomanry  will  take  particular  pleasure 
in  complying  with  the  call  of  Washington  and  of 
Congress.  It  is  hoped  that  the  ensuing  campaign 
will  make  the  enemy  repent  their  execrable  pur- 
pose of  enslaving  a free  people.  For  the  sake  of 
liberty,  let  not  our  expectations  be  disappointed 
for  want  of  men  and  means,  which  we  are  still 
able  to  furnish.  We  are  convinced  you  will  exert 


I5G 


yourselves.  Your  country  calls  : and  to  the  call 
of  your  country  you  were  never  deaf.” 

The  authority  of  Congress  had  hitherto  been 
only  advisory,  though  the  legislatures  of  the  seve- 
ral States  had  such  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and 
patriotism  of  that  respectable  body,  as  almost 
invariably  to  comply  with  its  requisitions.  The 
importance  of  a general  and  consistent  course  of 
policy  for  the  whole  country  was,  indeed,  very 
evident  to  every  intelligent  citizen;  and  the  advice 
of  Congress  was  accordingly  received  with  a regard, 
little  less  than  could  be  given  to  the  most  perfect 
authority.  This  was  particularly  the  case  for  the 
two  first  years  of  the  revolutionary  war.  But 
difficulties  arose  in  this  unsettled  state  of  the  pow- 
ers of  Congress ; and  the  country  suffered  from  its 
want  of  authority  to  enforce  obedience  to  orders 
calculated  for  the  common  welfare.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1777,  a plan  was  proposed  by  that  body, 
of  confederation  and  perpetual  union  between 
the  thirteen  United  States,”  embracing  a number 
of  articles,  defining  the  power  to  be  exercised  in 
future  by  the  delegates  from  the  several  States, 
in  Cono:ress  assembled.  These  articles  were  sub- 
mitted  to  the  legislatures  of  the  respective  States 
in  the  Union.  Boston,  and  some  other  towns  in 
Massachusetts,  expressed  an  opinion  in  favour  of 
the  adoption  of  this  plan  of  confederation.  The 
General  Assembly,  at  a session  in  the  following 
year,  declared  its  approbation  of  the  articles  sub- 
mitted by  Congress,  and  authorized  their  delegates 
to  ratify  them  on  the  part  of  the  State.  Mary- 
land did  not  consent  to  the  plan  till  1781. 

In  February,  1778,  the  Hon.  John  Adams  was 
appointed  by  Congress  an  envoy  to  the  court  of 


157 


Versailles;  and  soon  after  embarked  at  Boston  in 
a continental  frigate,  which  was  prepared  to  con- 
vey him  to  France.  Mr.  Adams  remained  some- 
time at  Paris,  and  afterwards  resided  in  Holland, 
as  minister  to  the  United  Provinces.  He  w^as  an 
able  negociator,  and  rendered  essential  services  to 
his  country  while  in  Europe.  The  delegates  to 
Congress  from  Massachusetts  for  this  year,  were 
Samuel  Adams,  Elbridge  Gerry,  Francis  Dana, 
James  Lovell,  and  Samuel  Holten.  William 
Cushing,  Foster,  Sargeant,  Sullivan,  and  Sewal 
were  Justices  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature 
at  this  time,  and  R.  T.  Paine,  attorney-general  of 
the  State.  The  General  Court  was  prorogued, 
early  in  March,  to  the  month  of  April ; and  it  was 
ordered  then  to  be  convened  in  the  town  of  Rox- 
bury.*  The  small-pox  was  then  raging  in  Boston : 
many  of  the  representatives  were  alarmed  on 
this  account,  and  a vote  was  therefore  passed  for 
meeting  at  the  former  place.  Before  the  adjourn- 
ment, pov»^er  was  given  to  the  Council  to  provide 
for  the  defence  of  the  State,  should  the  exigency 
demand  any  particular  expense.  They  were  also 
authorized  to  call  out  the  militia,  to  any  number, 
not  exceeding  3000,  should  they  be  required  by 
general  Washington.  He  did  not  call  for  any;  but 
two  large  detachments  were  ordered  to  be  enlisted 
soon  after,  during  the  months  of  April  and  May. 

The  committee  of  the  General  Court  reported 

* When  the  General  Court  was  in  session  in  April,  their 
chaplain,  Rev.  Dr.  Gordon,  was  dismissed,  for  some  free  re- 
marks written  by  him,  and  published  in  the  new'spapers,  in 
in  which  the  court  was  charged  with  intrigue,  in  their  con- 
duct respecting  the  newly  proposed  constitution.  Gordon 
was  a zealous  whig,  and  an  active  politician.  He  was  the 
author  of  the  history  of  the  American  tvar. 


158 


a draft  of  a Constitution,  in  December,  1777,  but 
it  was  not  considered  bj  the  whole  Court  till 
February  following ; it  was  then  approved  by  the 
legislature,  and  in  March,  ordered  to  be  submit- 
ted to  the  people.  Two  thirds  of  the  votes  given 
in  were  to  decide  in  favour  of  its  adoption  : all 
free  males  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  were  allowed 
to  vote  ; and  for  any  alteration,  it  required  two 
thirds  of  the  inhabitants.  It  did  not  receive  the 
approbation  of  the  citizens  ;*  and  a very  general 
opinion  prevailed,  that  a convention  should  be 
called,  consisting  of  persons  to  be  chosen  for  that 
particular  purpose.f  There  were  many  objections 
to  the  constitution  prepared  by  the  General  Court. 
That  it  contained  no  declaration  of  rights  which 
belonged  naturally  to  the  people,  was  considered 
an  essential  defect.  The  principle  of  representa- 
tion was  said  to  be  unequal,  because  the  smallest 
towns  were  allowed  to  have  one  deputy;  and  others, 
if  not  containing  more  than  300  polls,  to  be  confined 
to  that  number.  But  a rule  not  very  different 
from  this  was  admitted  in  the  Constitution  after- 
wards adopted.  The  governor  and  lieutenant- 
governor  were  to  be  members  of  the  Senate  ; the 
former  to  preside  over  the  deliberations  of  that 
body.  The  senate  was  to  consist  of  twenty-eight 
members ; Suffolk,  Essex,  and  Middlesex  were  to 
elect  ten ; Plymouth,  Bristol,  Barnstable,  &c.,  six  ; 

* There  were  10,000  votes  against  it,  and  only  2000  for 
it : and  120  towns  made  no  returns. 

t The  citizens  of  Boston  voted  unanimously  against  this 
constitution.  They  were  also  for  a convention  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  preparing  a new  one  : and  they  were  further  of 
opinion,  that  a thing  of  so  much  importance  should  not  be 
hastily  decided,  but  be  postponed  to  a period  of  more  tran- 
quillity. 


159 


Worcester,  Hampshire,  and  Berkshire,  eight  ; 
York  and  Cumberland,  three  ; and  Lincoln,  one. 
The  Judges,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer,  to  be  cho- 
sen annually,  by  the  General  Court ; and  other 
officers,  civil  and  military,  by  the  governor  and 
senate.  The  Protestant  religion  to  be  professed 
by  all  officers  and  legislators;  but  full  toleration  to 
be  enjoyed  by  all  religious  denominations.  The 
powers  and  duties  of  the  legislators  and  of  rulers, 
it  was  also  objected,  were  not  accurately  defined.* 

The  British  troops  evacuated  Philadelphia  in 
June,  after  having  'been  in  possession  of  that  city 
for  six  months,  and  began  their  march  through 
New  Jersey,  for  New  York.  General  Washington 
immediately  resolved  to  pursue  them,  and  if  a 
favourable  occasion  should  present,  to  attack  the 
rear  of  the  army.  The  march  of  the  enemy  was 
unusually  rapid,  for  they  had  the  precaution  to 
send  on  most  of  their  heavy  baggage  before  they 
left  Philadelphia.  By  great  efforts,  however,  an 
advanced  party  of  the  American  troops  came  up 
with  a division  of  the  British,  near  Monmouth 
court  house,  and  immediately  attacked  them. 
In  the  mean  time,  other  troops,  detached  for 
the  purpose  by  Washington,  arrived,  and  the  ac- 
tion soon  became  very  general  between  the  two 
armies.  The  judicious  plans  of  the  commander  in 
chief  were  defeated,  through  the  criminal  neglect 
or  the  mistaken  judgment  of  general  Lee,  who 
had  been  early  sent  on  to  take  command  of  the 
advanced  troops.  A great  portion  of  the  men 
engaged  in  this  battle  were  from  Massachusetts. 
General  Knox,  who  commanded  the  artillery,  re- 
ceived the  particular  approbation  of  Washington; 

* The  constitution  prepared  in  1778,  and  rejected  by  the 
majority  of  the  people,  is  printed  at  the  close  of  this  volume. 


J60 


General  Wajne,  of  Pennsylvania,  greatly  distin- 
guished himself  in  this  affair.  The  enemy  suffered 
severe  loss.  The  killed,  wounded,  and  missing, 
were  upwards  of  2,000;  while  those  of  the  Ameri- 
cans did  not  exceed  350 ; many  of  whom  perished 
through  fatigue,  on  account  of  the  intense  heat  of 
the  weather. 

A large  British  force  remaining  at  Newport 
through  the  spring  and  summer  of  1778,  and  their 
fleet  having  command  of  the  waters  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, the  people  of  Massachusetts,  especially 
in  the  southern  parts  of  it,  bordering  on  the  State 
of  Rhode  Island,  were  kept  in  continual  alarm;  and 
the  General  Court  had  a great  duty  to  perform  in 
furnishing  men  for  the  protection  of  that  part  of 
the  country.  There  were  but  few  continental 
troops  on  that  station,  and  the  militia  were  in 
service  there,  in  greater  or  less  numbers,  for  the 
w’hole  of  this,  as  they  had  been  most  of  the  pre- 
ceding year.  The  enemy  landed  about  600  men, 
in  the  month  of  May,  at  the  town  of  Warren  in 
that  State,  and  burnt  vessels,  dwelling  houses,  and 
public  buildings,  insulted  and  abused  the  inhabi- 
tants, and  took  away  much  personal  property. 
Colonel  Barton,  of  that  State,  was  ordered  by 
General  Sullivan,  then  in  command  at  Providence, 
to  meet  them.  Before  he  reached  the  place, 
the  British  were  retreating ; but  he  pursued  them, 
and  did  them  much  injury  before  they  reached 
their  boats.  A considerable  number  of  the  enemy 
were  killed  and  wounded  in  this  affair.  During 
the  same  month,  they  landed  at  the  southerly  part 
of  Freetown,  at  a place  called  Fall  river,  and 
burnt  a mill,  and  some  other  buildings ; but  the 
militia  soon  collected,  and  obliged  them  to  take  to 
their  boats,  and  retire. 


161 


General  Bourgoyne  had  left  Prospect  hill,  and 
major  general  Phillips  was  the  first  officer  of  the 
British  troops  then  prisoners  of  war,  quartered  at 
that  place.  He  was  represented  as  a conceited 
and  irritable  character,  and  seemed  to  suppose 
that  he  and  his  troops,  though  captives,  might  com- 
mit any  irregularities  with  impunity.*  One  ol  his 
officers,  returning  from  Boston,  in  the  month  of 

* The  moment  general  Phillips  heard  of  this  unfortunate 
event,  he  wrote  general  Heath  the  following  note — 

Cambridge,  June  17,  1778. 

“ Murder  and  death  have  at  length  taken  place  ; an  officer 
riding  out  from  the  barracks  on  Prospect  hill,  has  been  shot 
by  an  American  sentinel.  1 leave  the  horrors  of  that  bloody 
disposition,  which  has  joined  itself  to  rebellion  in  these  colo- 
nies, to  the  feelings  of  all  Europe.  I do  not  ask  for  justice  ; 
for  I believe  every  principle  of  it  has  fled  from  this  province. 
I demand  liberty  to  send  an  officer  to  general  sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton, by  way  of  the  head  quarters  of  general  Washington. 

W^M.  Phillips,  major  general.” 

General  Heath  had  previously  written  to  general  Phillips, 
on  hearing  the  unhappy  affair;  but  Phillips  had  not  received 
it,  when  he  wrote  his  note.  If  he  had,  perhaps  be  would 
have  used  different  language.  Heath’s  letter  is  here  given — 

Head  quarters,  Boston,  June  17,  1778,  8 o’clock  p.  m. 

“ Sir, — I am  this  moment  informed  that  an  officer  of  the 
convention  has  been  shot  by  one  of  our  sentries.  I have  or- 
dered the  man  into  close  confinement,  and  have  directed  the 
town  major  to  desire  the  coroner  of  the  county  of  Middle- 
sex to  summon  a jury  of  inquest  to  sit  on  the  body  ; and  I de- 
sire that  it  may  not  be  moved  until  that  step  be  taken.  I can 
only  say,  that  you  may  be  assured,  I will  take  every  measure 
in  my  power,  which  honour  and  justice  require. 

1 am.  Sir,  &c. 

W.  Heath.” 

General  Heath  answered  the  note  of  Phillips  in  a very  spi- 
rited manner,  and  ordered  him  to  be  kept  within  very  narrow 
limits. 

VOL.  II. 


21 


162 


June,  to  the  British  barracks,  in  company  with 
two  females,  was  hailed  by  the  sentinel ; and  re- 
fusing to  answer,  though  the  call  w'as  repeated, 
was  shot  dead  on  the  spot.  Phillips  and  his  offi- 
cers were  greatly  enraged  ; and  pretended  it  was 
barbarous  conduct,  and  not  less  criminal  than 
murder.  He  demanded  of  general  Heath,  who 
had  command  of  the  continental  troops  employed 
as  guards  of  the  British  prisoners,  that  the  sentinel 
be  immediately  punished  as  a murderer.  He  also 
demanded  a messenger  to  convey  a note  of  complaint 
on  the  subject  to  general  Clinton  at  New  York. 
But  neither  of  his  demands  was  granted.  And 
the  proud  British  officer  had  to  submit  to  this  neg- 
lect of  his  rec]uests;  and  to  resign  himself  to  a de- 
cision, which  the  impartial  considered  fully  justified 
by  the  circumstances  of  the  case. 

In  the  month  of  August,  the  plan  was  renewed 
of  preparing  a powerful  force  against  the  enemy 
at  Newport;  and  if  possible,  to  dispossess  them  of 
that  place,  where  they  were  giving  constant  alarm 
to  all  the  New  England  states.  General  Sullivan, 
with  a considerable  number  of  continental  troops, 
was  now  on  .that  station;  but  it  was  believed  that 
the  aid  of  tne  militia,  to  a large  amount,  was  ne- 
cessary to  give  any  hope  of  success  to  the  under- 
taking. There  were  already  some  of  the  militia 
of  Massachusetts  doing  service  in  that  quarter. 
But  others  were  ordered  out,  and  several  volun- 
teer companies  marched  there,  at  this  period,  from 
Boston,  Salem,  Beverly,  Gloucester,  Newburyport, 
and  some  from  towns  in  the  province  of  Maine. 
The  wdiole  constituted  a respectable  force.  But 
the  British  were  equally  numerous,  being  estimat- 
ed at  7 or  8000 ; and  they  were  strongly  fortified 


f 


163 


in  the  town  of  Newport.  A large  French  fleet, 
then  recently  arrived  on  the  American  coast  at 
the  south,  directed  their  course  for  Rhode  Island. 
The  plan  was  for  the  Americans  to  attack  the 
British  at  Newport,  whenever  the  French  fleet 
should  arrive  to  co-operate  with  them.  The  Ame- 
ricans passed  over  to  the  island,  and  advanced  by 
degrees,  to  a short  distance  from  Newport,  and 
began  to  throw  up  fortifications  for  defence.  In 
this  situation  they  remained  several  days,  waiting 
the  return  of  the  French  fleet,  which  had  gone 
out  to  look  after  a large  scjuadron  of  the  enemy, 
then  recently  sailed  from  New  York,  with  the  in- 
tention of  relieving  the  detachment  at  Newport. 
The  French  fleet  encountered  a severe  storm,  at 
a little  distance  from  Newport,  in  which  they  re- 
ceived much  damage  ; and  a part-  of  them  had  a 
short  engagement  with  the  fleet  of  the  enemy.* 

The  British  made  an  assault  upon  the  American 
troops,  who  were  posted  at  their  entrenchments, 
then  lately  thrown  up  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Newport ; and  were  received  with  great  spirit 
and  bravery.  They  were  engaged  the  most  of 
the  day  ; and  many  men  w'ere  lost  on  each  side. 
The  Americans  maintained  their  ground,  but  had 
little  reason  to  boast.  A few  days  after,  the  ene- 
my received  reinforcements  from  New  York;  and 
general  Sullivan,  by  advice  of  a council  of  war, 
concluded  to  leave  the  island.  The  retreat  was 
conducted  with  great  order,  and  without  any  loss 
on  the  part  of  the  American  troops.  This  was 
just  matter  of  satisfaction,  as  the  British  forces 

* When  it  was  known  that  the  French  would  not  aid  in  this 
expedition,  most  of  the  volunteers,  and  a part  of  the  militia, 
left  the  island. 


164 


were  then  greatly  superior,  and  they  also  had  a 
large  fleet  in  the  harbour  and  vicinity  of  Newport. 
And  yet  the  issue  was  not  such  as  had  been,  at  one 
period,  confidently  anticipated.  Great  hope  had 
been  indulged  from  the  assistance  of  the  French. 
The  want  of  success  in  this  expedition  was  the 
more  mortifying,  as  it  was  the  third  attempt  made, 
within  eigh  een  months,  to  drive  the  British  from 
this  part  of  New  England. 

The  Massachusetts  militia  were  commanded  on 
this  occasion  by  major  general  Hancock,  who  hap- 
pened to  be  on  a visit  to  Boston,  during  a recess 
of  Congress.  He  readily  undertook  this  expedi- 
tion, which  engaged  the  particular  attention  of  the 
General  Court,  and  of  the  individual  citizens  of  all 
classes.  General  Greene  and  the  Marquis  de  la 
Fayette  also  joined  this  expedition  as  volunteers, 
a short  time  before  the  Americans  returned  from 
Rhode  Island  ; and  rendered  great  service  in  con- 
ducting the  retreat  of  the  troops  under  general 
Sullivan.  General  Lovell,  who  had  the  immediate 
command  of  the  militia  from  Massachusetts  in  the 
action,  and  his  officers  and  men  behaved  with  great 
intrepidity.  Colonel  H.  Jackson  commanded  a re- 
giment of  infantry,  and  colonel  Crane  of  artillery, 
both  of  Massachusetts ; and  received  the  particu- 
lar approbation  of  general  Sullivan  for  their  activi- 
ty and  courage.  About  two  hundred  men  were 
killed  and  wmunded  in  this  engagement ; among 
the  latter  was  one  field  officer  ; and  of  the  former, 
two  lieutenants  belonging  to  Boston  and  in  Jack- 
son’s regiment. 

The  French  fleet  repaired  to  the  harbour  of 
Boston,  after  the  disasters  of  the  storm,  where 
they  remained  some  time  to  refit  and  to  obtain 


165 


provisions.  They  sailed  for  the  West  Indies  in  the 
month  of  November.  La  Fayette  visited  the  cap- 
ital of  Massachusetts,  for  the  purpose  of  confer- 
ring with  the  French  admiral."^  He  had  then  been 
in  America  about  eighteen  months;  and  the  zeal, 
which  he  manifested,  at  the  first  moment  he  de- 
clared himself  friendly  to  the  cause  of  American 
liberty,  had  not  abated.  Having  for  some  months 
served  as  a volunteer  and  without  any  commission, 
he  was  afterwards  appointed  a major  general  by 
Congress  ; and  enjoyed  in  a peculiar  degree  the 
confidence  and  esteem  of  Washington.  He  was 
extremely  anxious  that  the  French  admiral  should 
afford  all  possible  aid  to  the  Americans ; and  his 
short  visit  to  Boston,  at  this  time,  was  to  prevail  on 
count  D’Estalng,  to  return  to  Newport  immediate- 
ly, and  to  remain  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  States 
for  the  purpose  of  co-operating  with  the  army 
under  general  Washington  against  the  British;  and 
not  to  depart  to  the  West  Indies,  where  he  medi- 
tated passing  the  winter.  It  was  also  believed 
that  the  marquis  had  great  influence  in  persuading 
the  French  court  to  form  a treaty  with  the  United 
States,  and  to  send  out  a formidable  fleet  for  their 
assistance.  Soon  after  this  period,  the  marquis 
again  visited  Boston  and  took  passage  for  France. 
‘•Congress  had  given  him  leave  to  visit  his  family,” 
as  he  was  pleased  to  call  it : for  though  he  could 
have  visited  France  at  his  owm  pleasure,  he  chose 
to  ask  the  consent  of  Congress  and  of  Washington, 

* He'was  in  Boston  but  a single  day,  at  this  time  ; he  has- 
tened back  to  Rhode  Jsland  with  the  greatest  speed,  and  ar- 
- rived  in  season  to  assist  in  conducting  the  retreat  of  the  Ame- 
rican troops. 


166 


and  to  obtain  a furlough  for  the  purpose,  being  de- 
sirous of  retaining  his  commission  and  rank  in  the 
American  army."^ 

The  French  fleet  had  not  been  in  the  harbour 
of  Boston  many  days,  before  the  British  squadron 
appeared  in  the  bay,  within  Cape  Cod,  and  it  was 
believed  that  they  meditated  an  attack  upon  the 
ships  under  command  of  count  D’Estaing.  This 
caused  great  alarm  to  the  people  in  the  vicinity  ; 
and  nine  regiments  of  militia  were  marched  into 
the  capital.  They  were  soon  discharged,  as  the 
British  fleet  disappeared  from  the  coast  without 
making  any  attack  upon  the  French.  Several  of 
the  enemy’s  ships  sailed  from  Newport  harbour, 
the  first  of  September,  and  landed  a number  of 
troops  at  Bedford  village  in  Dartmouth.  They 
did  much  injury  to  the  town,  by  burning  the  ves- 
sels lying  at  the  wharves,  about  seventy  in  number, 
and  the  greater  part  of  the  houses  in  the  settle- 
ment. The  troops  marched  up  the  country,  near 
the  river,  four  or  five  miles;  and  returning  on  the 
opposite  side,  embarked  before  the  inhabitants 
were  able  to  collect  in  sufficient  force  to  oppose 

* After  a period  of  forty-six  years,  this  highly  distinguished 
person,  who  in  his  youth  devoted  himself,  with  a singu- 
lar ardour  and  disinterestedness,  to  the  cause  of  America,  and 
who  in  his  native  country  had  made  great  exertions  and  sa- 
crifices in  the  cause  of  liberty,  visited  the  United  States.  In 
August  1824,  he  landed  at  New  York,  where  he  was  received 
with  every  mark  of  respect  and  affection ; thence  he  visited 
Boston  and  other  large  towns  and  cities  through  the  nation ; 
in  all  which  he  was  greeted  with  a joy  and  enthusiasm,  which 
no  individual  but  Washington  ever  received  in  this  country. 
Every  one  bid  him  welcome  with  most  lively  gratitude  ; and 
public  functionaries  united  in  presenting  their  tribute  of  es- 
teem and  admiration,  such  as  the  most  celebrated  heroes  of  an- 
tiquity could  scarcely  boast. 


167 


them.  From  Dartmouth  the  enemy  proceeded  to 
Martha’s  Vineyard,  and  made  a requisition  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  fire  arms,  money,  cattle  and 
sheep ; and  of  the  latter,  they  took  oft'  nearly  ten 
thousand. 

In  November,  a party  of  continental  troops  of 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty,  under  command  of 
colonel  Alden  of  Massachusetts,  were  suddenly  at- 
tacked by  about  seven  hundred  British  soldiers, 
royalists  and  Indians,  at  Cherry  Valley,  seventy 
miles  west  of  Albany;  and  the  greater  number 
were  killed  or  taken.^  .They  had  been  stationed 
in  that  place  for  the  protection  of  the  inhabitants 
in  that  thinly  settled  country,  who  were  exposed 
to  incursions  from  the  Indians  and  Canadian  royal- 
ists. They  had  erected  a fort,  and  given  it  the 
name  of  their  commander.  Colonel  Alden  had 
some  intimation  of  the  approach  of  the  savage  ene- 
my the  evening  before,  and  placed  sentinels  at  the 
two  only  roads  by  which  it  was  supposed  they  could 
come,  to  give  the  alarm.  But  they  approached 
by  an  old  Indian  path,  not  generally  known  or  tra- 
velled. The  fort  was  surprised  at  an  early  hour 
in  the  morning.  The  colonel  and  some  other  offi- 
cers were  at  their  lodgings  in  a house,  a very  short 
distance  from  the  fort.  When  the  alarm  was 
given,  colonel  Alden  directed  the  others  immedi- 
ately to  repair  to  the  fort;  he  delayed  only  a 
moment  to  throw  his  clothes  about  him,  but  in 
following  them  was  shot  down  and  scalped.  The 
fort  was  defended  by  the  brave  major  Whiting  of 
Dedham  and  adjutant  Hickling  of  Boston,  who 
were  the  chief  in  command,  after  the  death  of 

* Thirty  were  killed,  and  forty  taken  prisoners. 


168 


their  colonel  and  the  capture  of  lieutenant  colonel 
Tracey.  A party  of  militia  arrived  for  their  sup- 
port, towards  the  close  of  the  day.  The  officers 
and  men  who  were  taken  were  treated  with  great 
indignity  and  cruelty.  Many  of  the  inhabitants 
were  taken  and  carried  off  by  the  Indians  ; and 
those  who  escaped,  were  left  destitute  of  shelter 
and  of  support.  Their  humble  dwellings  were 
burnt,  and  their  property  taken  or  destroyed.  The 
settlement  contained  about  two  hundred  inhabi- 
tants. Colonel  Alden  was  an  intelligent  and  brave 
officer  : and  commanded  the  7th  regular  Massa- 
chusetts regiment.  He  was  a lieutenant  colonel  of 
a regiment  of  minute  men,  raised  in  Plymouth  county 
early  in  1775,  and  marched  to  Roxbury,  on  the 
alarm  of  the  19th  of  April. 

In  the  summer  of  1778,  three  British  commis- 
sioners arrived  at  New  York,  especially  authorised 
by  their  government  to  make  propositions  for  a 
suspension  of  hostilities,  with  an  ultimate  view  to 
reconciliation  and  peace  with  America.  They  ad- 
dressed Congress  on  the  subject ; but  they  were 
also  instructed  to  treat  with  any  individual  state. 
It  was  considered  an  artful  plan  to  gain  time  to  re- 
inforce their  army,  to  detach  the  United  States 
from  all  connexion  with  France,  with  whom  they 
had  then  recently  made  a treaty ; or,  if  possible, 
to  distract  and  divide  the  councils  of  America. 
For  they  believed  that  some  of  the  people  in  the 
country  were  wearied  with  the  expense  and  trou- 
ble of  war,  and  would  be  ready  to  return  to  their 
allegiance  to  the  crown  of  England,  upon  a proba- 
• bility  of  pardon.  Congress  rejected  these  offers. 
They  d isapproved  the  terms  proposed ; for  they 
had  little  faith  in  the  mere  promises  of  the  minis- 


169 


ters  ; and  they  were  now  determined  to  insist  upon 
independence.  The  people  and  their  representa- 
tives in  the  several  states  applauded  the  tirmness 
of  Congress.  They  were  not  disposed  to  give  up 
their  rights  to  self  government,  or  to  throw  them- 
selves upon  the  clemency  of  the  king  and  his  min- 
isters, who  would  grant  such  favours  merely  as  it 
might  seem  fitting  to  their  views  of  government  to 
allow. 

The  conduct  of  the  British  ministers,  in  sending 
commissioners  to  America  with  such  [jropositions 
as  they  were  directed  to  make,  was  not  less  cen- 
sured by  many  statesmen  in  England,  when  they 
learned  what  terms  had  been  proposed,  than  they 
were  by  Congress.  A noble  lord  in  the  House  of 
peers,  speaking  of  the  proclamation  issued  by  the 
commissioners,  when  they  found  their  proposals 
were  rejected,  which  threatened  future  vengeance 
to  the  Americans,  said,  “ it  was  a proclamation 
contrary  to  humanity,  to  Christianity  and  to  every 
idea  of  virtuous  policy.”  A reverend  bishop  ob- 
served, “ he  saw  in  the  account  of  extraordinaries, 
that  charges  were  made  for  the  tomahawk  and 
scalping  knife;  and  that  he  supposed,  from  the 
proclamation,  such  expense  would  be  continued. 
It  is  our  duty,”  he  added,  to  soften  the  horrors 
of  war  and  to  act  as  Christians.”  Lord  Camden 
said  the  proclamation  held  forth  a war  of  re- 
venge, such  as  Moloch  in  Pandemonium  advised; 
that  it  would  fix  an  inveterate  hatred  in  the  peo- 
ple of  America  against  the  very  name  of  English- 
men, which  would  be  left  as  a legacy  from  father 
to  son  to  the  latest  posterity.”  He  said  “they 
should  consider  that  they  were  Christians,  and  that 
their  enemies  were  the  same.”  In  the  House  of 

22 


VOL.  II. 


170 


Commons,  Mr.  Burke  asked — “ against  whom  arc 
these  dreadful  menaces  pronounced?  Not  against 
the  guilty;  but  against  those,  who,  conscious  of 
rectitude,  have  acted  to  the  best  of  their  ability  in 
a good  cause,  and  stood  up  to  fight  for  freedom  and 
their  country.” 

Major  general  Gates  arrived  at  Boston  in  No- 
vember 1778,  to  take  command  on  that  station. 
There  was  great  reason  to  apprehend  an  attack 
from  the  enemy,  at  the  time,  upon  some  part  of 
the  state.  He  remained  at  Boston  and  Providence 
through  the  winter ; and  when  he  left  Massachu- 
setts in  April  1779,  he  publicly  expressed  his  ap- 
probation of  the  conduct  of  the  people  and  of  the 
legislature;  and  particularly  ^eulogised  the  battal- 
ion of  state  troops,  at  one  time  commanded  by  col- 
onel Crafts,  but  then  under  command  of  lieutenant 
colonel  Revere. 


171 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Refugees  . . . Taxes  . . . Law  against  E.xtortion  . . . Scarcity  . . , Various 
measures  of  defence  . . . Depreciation  . . . New  calls  for  militia  . . . Con- 
vention for  new  Constitution  . . . Large  sums  called  for  by  Congress  . . . 
Penobscot  Expedition  . . . Conventions  to  prevent  extortion  . . . Addi- 
tional troops,  both  for  state  and  continental  service ...  Public  Fast... 
General  Lincoln  in  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  . . . Constitution  formed 
and  accepted  . . . Order  of  Congress  to  call  in  paper  money  . . . Debt  of  the 
state  ...  Complaint  of  tbe  people  ...  Troops  in  Maine  ...  Academy  of 
Arts  and  Sciences  . . . Dark  day. 


At  the  session  of  the  General  Court  in  October, 
1778,  an  act  was  passed,  forbidding  certain  indivi- 
duals, formerly  citizens  of  the  state,  who  had 
left  the  state  and  joined  the  enemy,  to  return ; 
and  requiring  them,  if  they  came  into  the  state,  im- 
mediately to  depart  out  of  the  country  ; and  mak- 
ing it  a capital  crime,  if  they  should  presume,  a 
second  time,  to  come  within  their  jurisdiction,  un- 
less special  permission  was  first  obtained.  There 
were  nearly  three  hundred  persons  named  in  this 
prohibitory  statute.  There  were,  however,  some 
among  them,  who  had  never  taken  an  active  part 
against  the  country;  and  were  not,  therefore,  really 
deserving  the  severe  punishment  which  others 
justly  merited.  Some  of  those  named  in  the  act 
had  leave  afterwards  to  return  into  the  state,  and 
to  remain.  But  the  greater  part  never  discovered 
a disposition  to  return  ; and  they  had  proved  them- 


172 


selves  too  decidedly  hostile  to  the  liberties  of  the 
country,  to  be  indulged  with  the  privilege,  had 
they  desired  it. 

In  January  1779,  Congress  called  upon  the  seve- 
ral states  to  raise  ^ 15,000,000.  The  sum  appor- 
tioned to  Massachusetts  was  82,000,000;  and  the 
amount  was  to  be  passed  to  the  credit  of  the  Unit- 
ed States,  to  be  accounted  for  on  an  adjustment 
between  the  state  and  the  continent  at  a future 
day.  The  sum  required  of  Massachusetts  was  to 
be  expended  by  the  state,  but  for  the  purposes  of 
general  concern  and  utility. 

The  complaints  of  the  people  in  most  of  the 
states  had  become  so  loud  and  so  general,  on  ac- 
count of  the  prevalence  of  extortion  and  monopo- 
ly, that  in  January  1779,  Congress  was  led  to  in- 
quire, whether  it  were  not  practicable  to  provide 
a preventive.  They  were  of  opinion  that  regu- 
lating statutes  were  necessary ; and  divided  the 
thirteen  states  into  two  districts  ; advising  that  a 
convention  in  each  be  holden,  to  fix  and  regulate 
the  prices  of  the  common  articles  of  living.*  A 
convention  of  delegates  from  the  northern  dis- 
trict was  held  at  New  Haven,  who  formed  a plan 
for  regulating  prices,  and  preventing  extortion. 
The  plan  was  adopted  and  carried  into  effect  by 
most  of  the  states  com[)oslng  the  district.  It  was 
approved  also  by  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts, 
and  a law  passed  on  the  subject ; but  there  were 
many  of  her  citizens,  who  considered  it  their  inte- 
rest to  disregard  the  law  ; and  there  was  remissness 

* Some  gentlemen  in  Congress,  however,  were  of  opinion 
that  trade  should  be  left  to  regulate  itself.  Many  citizens  of 
Massachusetts  entertained  similar  sentiments. 


173 


in  the  officers,  whose  duty  it  was  to  see  it  observed, 
which  favoured  the  violations  of  a salutary  law  with 
impunity."^  The  General  Assembly,  however, 
were  very  desirous  to  prevent  the  evil,  and  to  save 
the  poorer  classes  of  people  from  oppression.  They 
directed  the  law  to  be  published,  and  to  be  read 
at  the  annual  town  meetings. 

, Another  subject  engaged  the  attention  of  the 
General  Assembly  at  their  session  in  January, 
which  related  to  the  support  and  comfort  of  the 
people.  The  preceding  season  had  been  uncom- 
monly dry;  which,  together  with  a severe  blight 
of  the  grain,  cut  off  nearly  one  lialf  of  the  usual 
crops.  A great  number  of  men,  usually  employed 
in  cultivating  the  soil,  was  engaged  in  the  milita- 
ry service  through  the  spring  and  summer.  This, 
also,  had  served  to  lessen  the  customary  fruits  of 
harvest : and  several  thousand  prisoners,  taken 
with  Bourgoyne  had  been  kept  in  the  state.  The 
scarcity  was  such  as  to  give  great  alarm.  Added 
to  all  other  difficulties,  there  was  an  embargo  laid 
on  all  vessels  bound  from  one  state  to  another. 
The  General  Court  addressed  letters  to  Connec- 
ticut, New  Jersey,  and  New  York,  requesting  flour 
and  grain  for  the  inhabitants.  They  voted 
g>200,000,t  and  appointed  a committee  to  visit 
those  states  to  procure  provisions.  They  also  re- 
quested Congress  to  grant  permission  for  trans- 

* Nothing  bnt  a strict  regard  to  facts  could  make  it  neces- 
sary to  notice  the  above.  Asa  state,  Massachusetts  nas  most 
patriotic,  and  made  great  exertions  for  the  public  welfare. 
But  there  were  some,  who  sought  their  own  without  regard 
to  the  general  interest.  “The  Recusants  prevented  the  exe- 
cution of  the  law.” 

t The  paper  had  then  greatly  depreciated. 


174 


porting  flour  and  corn  from  the  southern  states. 
The  towns,  particularly  those  on  the  sea  coast, 
which  suffered  most  severely  for  the  want  of  grain, 
were  furnished  from  the  public  stock  purchased 
by  the  state,  and  in  such  proportions  as  their  seve- 
ral necessities  demanded. 

Such  was  still  the  situation  of  the  state  and  of 
the  country,  that  great  exertions  were  requisite  on 
the  part  of  the  General  Court  to  provide  for  the 
protection  of  the  one,  and  to  furnish  its  proportion 
of  aid  for  the  defence  of  the  other.  In  Februa- 
ry, a resolve  was  passed,  as  in  the  two  preceding 
years,  providing  foi-  men  to  be  stationed  at  the 
towns'  on  the  sea  coasts,  liable  to  be  approached 
by  the  enemy’s  ships;  with  the  addition  of  Fal- 
mouth in  the  county  of  Barnstable,  which  had 
SLiifered  from  their  depredations.  Clothing  was 
furnished  for  the  soldiers  composing  the  seven- 
teen regiments  of  the  Massachusetts  line.  Their 
families  were  provided  for,  by  the  selectmen  of 
towns  in  which  they  resided,  by  virtue  of  particu- 
lar orders  of  the  leo^islature.  To  the  officers  on 
the  continental  establishment,  large  sums  were 
also  paid,  or  advanced  on  the  credit  of  the  United 
States;  .300/.  to  the  field  officers;  and  to  captains 
and  others,  200/.  The  treasury  of  the  state  did 
not  indeed  permit  of  the  immediate  payment  of 
the  whole  sum : and  a part  was  to  be  paid  in 
three  and  six  months.  The  assembly  wrote  to  their 
delegates  in  Congress,  and  also  to  the  president,  to 
be  laid  before  that  body,  informing  them  of  their 
proceedings  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  soldiers, 
and  praying  them  to  provide  some  remedy  for  the 
evils  of  depreciation  on  the  public  paper,  and  to 
do  justice  to  those  who  were  engaged  in  the  mili- 


175 


tary  service  of  the  country.  The  soldiers  receiv- 
ed wages  from  the  continent;  but  tlie  bills  in  which 
they  were  paid  were  so  greatly  depreciated  below' 
the  nominal  value,  that  they  received  not,  in  fact, 
one  tenth  or  one  twentieth  of  the  amount  promis- 
ed; and  the  state  of  Massachusetts  had  engaged 
to  them  a bonafide  compensation.  The  state 
omitted  no  possible  means  of  doing  justice  to  the 
officers  and  soldiers  in  the  regiments  it  had  raised; 
but  still  these  brave  men  and  their  families  suffer- 
ed extremely,  by  devoting  a long  period  to  the 
public  service.  The  wants  of  their  families  oblig- 
ed them  to  part  with  their  notes  from  the  conti- 
nent and  from  the  state,  for  the  tenth  part  of  the 
amount  due  them ; and  individuals,  wdio  were  ne- 
ver exposed  to  danger  or  losses,  eventually  receiv^- 
cd  the  fruit  of  their  toils. 

In  February,  the  legislature  was  requested  by 
general  Gates,  then  commanding,  on  the  Boston 
station,  to  call  out  the  militia  to  assist  in  fortifying 
the  harbour,  and  to  collect  stores  and  provisions. 
As  a reason  for  his  request,  general  Gates  stated 
that  he  feared  an  attack  from  the  British.  The 
legislature  addressed  Congress  on  the  subject,  de- 
siring their  advice,  and  solicting  aid  from  the  con- 
tinental army,  if  the  enemy  should  invade  the 
state.  They  had  then  but  recently  raised  400  of 
the  militia  to  serve  as  a guard  at  Boston  and 
neighbourhood,  in  addition  to  the  state  battalion 
which  had  been  sometime  in  service  ; and  had  re- 
quired a detachment  from  Plymouth  and  Bristol 
counties  to  be  ready  to  march  for  the  defence  of 
Rhode  Island,  at  the  shortest  notice  from  the  com- 
manding officer  in  that  state. 

The  General  Court  adjourned  for  a few  weeks. 


176 


the  last  of  February,  after  giving  authority  to  the 
council  to  call  out  the  militia  and  provide  military 
stores,  if  the  public  welfare  should  require  it;  and 
assembled  again  the  first  of  April,  when  they  had 
a request  from  general  Washington  to  furnish  an 
additional  number  of  men  to  reinforce  the  conti- 
nental army.  His  inquiry  at  this  time  was  how 
many  they  could  enlist  for  the  campaign,  instead 
of  requesting  a particular  number,  as  he  had  usual- 
ly done.  It  was  voted,  after  some  discussion,  that 
2,000  could  be  raised  in  the  state,  if  the  public 
service  should  require  it,  in  addition  to  those  al- 
ready in  the  continental  army,  those  at  Rhode 
Island,  and  those  at  Boston  and  other  towns  on 
the  sea  coasts.  Soon  after,  it  was  ordered,  that 
1500  be  raised,  for  nine  months,  to  fill  up  the 
Massachusetts  regiments,  which  at  that  time  were 
not  complete.  These  were  enlisted,  in  June  and 
July,  by  calling  upon  the  several  towns  through 
the  state  to  furnish  their  respective  quotas^  and  by 
offering  a large  sum  as  a bounty.f  Shortly  after, 
500  militia  were  ordered  to  Rhode  Island  ; and  a 
regiment  of  light  infantry  was  raised  for  one  year 
to  serve  in  Massachusetts  or  in  any  state  in  New 
England.  A large  quantity  of  military  stores  was 
conveyed  from  Boston  and  vicinity  to  Springfield, 
in  April;  to  be  deposited  in  the  arsenal  which  had 
then  been  just  established  in  that  place  ; and  one 
liundred  teams  were  employed  in  transporting 
them. 

* Those  towns  which  furnished  the  number  required  by 
the  first  of  June,  were  allowed  £i20. 

t By  a law  of  Congress,  these  men  have  received  the 
same  pension,  for  several  years,  as  those  who  engaged  at  an 
earlier  day  for  the  whole  term  of  the  war,  and  had  no  bounty. 


177 


In  February  1779,  the  General  Court  again 
proposed  to  the  people  to  form  a constitution  of 
civil  government,  by  recommending  to  them  to  ex- 
press their  opinion  on  the  subject  and  to  make  re- 
turn to  the  legislature  in  June  following.  The 
proposition  was,  that,  if  the  majority  of  the  votes 
given  in  and  returned  to  the  court  in  June  was  in 
favour  of  the  measure,  precepts  were  to  be  issued 
for  the  people  to  choose  delegates  for  the  conven- 
tion, to  meet  in  September  then  next  : and  such 
persons  were  to  vote  on  the  subject  as  were  en- 
titled to  elect  representatives.  By  the  returns 
made  in  June,  it  appeared  that  a majority  of  votes 
given  were  in  favour  of  having  a convention  ; but 
there  was  nearly  one  third  of  the  towns  in  the 
state  that  did  not  vote  or  which  neglected  to  re- 
turn them.  Precepts  were  accordingly  issued  by 
the  General  Court  in  June,  to  all  the  towns  for  the 
choice  of  delegates  to  meet  at  Cambridge  in  Sep- 
tember. They  met  at  the  day  appointed,  and 
chose  Hon.  James  Bowdoin  for  their  president. 
A large  committee  was  appointed  to  j)repare  a 
draft  for  a constitution;  and  after  a session  of 
several  weeks,  the  convention  was  adjourned,  to 
meet  again  in  January  1780. 

In  June,  the  legislature  called  out  800  of  the 
militia  for  six  months,  for  the  defence  of  Rhode 
Island,  agreeably  to  an  agreement  made  sometime 
before  at  Springfield,  with  committees  from  the 
other  New  England  states.  The  British  still  had 
a considerable  force  at  Newport;  and  at  this  par- 
ticular time,  there  was  again  an  apprehension  of 
their  intending  to  invade  the  neighbouring  country. 

Congress  resolved  to  raise  forty-five  millions  of 
dollars;  to  be  paid,  however,  in  bills  which  they 

VOL.  n.  23 


178 


had  previously  emitted,  and  which  liad  become 
greatly  depreciated  below  the  nominal  value  : and 
of  this  Massachusetts  was  to  pay  six  millions.  The 
General  Court  soon  after  requested  and  obtained 
a loan  of  Congress,  for  800,000/.,  on  condition  of 
repaying  500,000  into  the  continental  loan  office, 
then  established  in  Boston,  within  three  months. 
But  so  great  were  the  demands  upon  the  treasury 
of  the  state  during  the  summer,  partly  owing  to 
the  expense  of  the  expedition  to  Penobscot,  that 
the  sum  of  300,000  was  retained  beyond  that  time. 
A few  weeks  after  this,  the  assembly  of  Massa- 
chusetts made  a request  to  Congress,  that  they 
might  retain  the  six  millions,  which  they  had  been 
required  to  raise,  for  their  own  use  ; but  tlie  calls 
upon  Congress  were  so  pressing,  that  the  request 
was  not  granted,  although  that  body  acknowledg- 
ed “ the  great  zeal  and  exertions  of  the  state  of 
Massachusetts  in  the  common  cause.”  At  this  pe- 
riod, Massachusetts  had  made  advances  of  money 
for  public  purposes,  it  was  supposed,  much  beyond 
its  just  proportion.  The  taxes  were  very  great, 
though  there  had  been  several  emissions  of  paper 
money,  and  large  sums  had  been  received  from  the 
sales  of  refugees’  estates. 

An  expedition  was  prepared,  in  July  1779,  by 
the  state,  though  with  the  knowledge  of  Congress, 
against  the  British  troops  at  Penobscot,  which  had 
not  long  before  fallen  into  their  hands.  The  force 
of  the  enemy  was  not  very  great,  supposed  to  be 
about  1000  : and  it  was  concluded,  that  no  addi- 
tional troops  could  be  sent  there  from  New  York 
or  Newport.  This  was  a popular  undertaking ; 


179 


and  there  was  a sanguine  hope  of  success.  Some 
of  the  first  merchants  in  Newbury  port  were  in  fa- 
vour of  the  plan  ; and  offered  to  provide  several 
vessels  to  the  state.  Fifteen  hundred  men  were 
ordered  to  be  raised  for  the  purpose,  in  addition 
to  those  on  board  of  the  public  ships : but  only 
about  nine  hundred*  engaged  in  the  expedition. 
The  whole  fleet  consisted  of  ten  ships,  several  of 
them  sloops  of  war,  from  16  to  28  guns,  one  of 
.32  guns,  seven  armed  brigs,  and  twenty-four  other 
vessels  which  served  as  transports.  Some  of  the 
militia  marched  from  the  lower  counties  of  Maine. 
Commodore  Saltonstal  was  appointed  commander 
of  the  fleet ; and  generals  Lovell  and  Wadsworth 
had  command  of  the  land  forces.  The  expedition 
was  too  much  hastened  ; and  when  the  troops  ar- 
rived in  the  vicinity  of  Penobscot,  there  was  not  a 
perfect  agreement  between  the  naval  commander 
and  general  Lovell,  in  taking  measures  for  the  at- 
tack. It  was  determined,  however,  to  make  an 
assault,  upon  the  fort  occupied  by  the  enemy,  at 
every  hazard.  The  American  troops  landed,  and 
had  to  climb  up  a cliff  almost  perpendicular,  and  of 
great  height ; this  they  effected,  amidst  a heavy 
fire  from  the  British,  who  had  every  advantage  of 
position ; and  drove  the  advanced  troops  of  the 
enemy  into  their  entrenchment.  They  lost  many 
men  in  this  onset  ; and  not  being  reinforced  by  ma- 
rines from  the  fleet,  as  was  expected,  they  were 
obliged  to  retire  to  a distance  from  the  fort.  In 
the  mean  time,  a large  naval  reinforcement  was  re- 
ceived by  the  British,  which  rendered  further  at- 

And  some  of  those  were  pressed  into  the  service. 


180 


tempts  against  the  place  altogether  desperate.* 
The  Americans  destroyed  many  of  their  own  ves- 
sels, and  others  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
They  endured  great  sufferings,  in  returning  through 
a large  tract  of  unsettled  country  : and  the  affair 
reflected  no  honour  upon  the  state,  or  the  indivi- 
duals who  planned  and  conducted  it.  A comanttee 
of  the  General  Court  was  appointed  to  examine 
into  the  causes  of  its  failure;  who  reported  that 
much  blame  attached  to  the  naval  commander,  for 
want  of  decision  and  energy;  but  that  Lovell  and 
Wadsworth  had  shown  great  activity,  intrepidity 
and  courage. 

The  people  continued  to  complain  of  the  evils 
arising  from  depreciation  of  paper  money,  the  com- 
mon circulating  medium  of  business,  and  the  prac- 
tice of  monopolizing  which  still  prevailed.  A con- 
vention was  held  at  Concord  in  July,  attended  by 
deputies  from  more  than  three  fourths  of  the 
towns  in  the  state,  except  Maine  and  the  county 
of  Berkshire.  It  was  a very  respectable  assembly. 
Certain  prices  were  fixed  for  all  the  products  of 
the  country,  and  a recommendation  published  for 
a general  effort  to  prevent  the  greater  deprecia- 
tion of  the  public  paper.  It  was  also  voted  to  re- 
quest the  citizens  in  Boston  and  other  sea-ports, 
who  had  articles  of  foreign  growth  or  manufacture 
to  dispose  of,  to  have  reasonable  prices  stated  for 
all  such  commodities.  A meeting  was  soon  after 
held  in  Boston,  and  regulations  were  adopted  con- 
formably to  the  advice  of  the  convention.  In  the 

* A regiment  of  continental  troops  under  colonel  H.  Jackson, 
embarked  from  Boston  to  aid  general  Lovell ; but  they  had 
intelligence  of  his  defeat  and  returned. 


181 


month  of  October  following,  on  the  suggestion  of 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  there  was  a con- 
vention at  Hartford  in  Connecticut,  attended  by 
delegates  from  the  New  England  states,  to  devise 
a general  plan  of  checking  the  mischiefs  of  extor- 
tion and  speculation.  Some  partial  and  temporary 
relief  was  afforded  to  the  people,  by  these  repeat- 
ed efforts  of  the  patriotic  citizens,  who  were  desi- 
rous of  alleviating  the  public  distresses.  But  no 
permanent  or  general  good  was  effected.  The  re- 
spective legislatures  of  the  states  and  Congress 
were  obliged  to  allow  greater  sums  to  the  soldiers 
and  to  others  engaged  in  the  public  service  ; and 
those  still  suffered ; for  when  they  received  their 
wages  or  their  salaries,  the  paper  had  become 
much  less  valuable,  than  when  their  services  com- 
menced. The  clergy,  also,  suffered  exceedingly, 
on  this  account  for  several  years.  But  in  several 
towns,  the  people  discovered  a generous  disposi- 
tion towards  their  ministers,  and  provided  for  their 
relief.  Congress,  afterwards,  negotiated  foreign 
loans  and  received  specie,  which  was  put  in  circu- 
lation ; and  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  con- 
cluded rather  to  raise  money  by  taxes,  than  to 
issue  more  bills,  which  only  increased  the  depre- 
ciation. Some  of  the  paper,  at  this  time,  was  of 
so  little  value,  as  that  thirty  and  even  forty  dollars 
were  exchanged  for  one  in  specie. 

The  enemy  at  New  York  made  no  attempts  to 
penetrate  the  country  in  that  quarter,  as  the  Ame- 
ricans w^ere  ready  to  oppose  them  with  a power- 
ful force.  Reports  were  often  circulated,  that 
they  Intended  to  attack  the  capital  of  Massachu- 
setts. It  w’as  necessary,  therefore,  to  guard  the 
coast  at  several  points,  and  to  keep  a number  of 


182 


troops  stationed  in  Boston.  From  the  spring  of 
1770,  when  the  British  left  that  place,  there  had 
constantly  been  a regular  state  regiment,  and  one 
or  more  continental  battalions,  (besides  detach- 
ments of  militia  for  short  periods)  except  when 
called  away,  as  already  stated,  on  some  sudden 
emergency.  In  September,  though  there  was  then 
the  usual  number  employed  in  guarding  the  metro- 
polis, 400  of  the  militia  were  ordered  out,  to  re- 
pair and  man  the  forts;  and  the  regiment,  com- 
manded by  colonel  H.  Jackson,  who  had  lately 
been  detached  to  assist  in  the  expedition  at  Pe- 
nobscot, was  placed  at  Castle  Island  in  the  har- 
bour of  Boston.  The  board  of  war  was  directed 
to  purchase  provisions  and  military  stores,  as  well 
as  some  large  ships,  to  be  armed  for  the  service 
of  the  state,  to  supply  the  place  of  those  destroy- 
ed at  Penobscot.  They  were  allowed  600,000/. 
for  these  objects  : but  this  was  in  the  paper  cur- 
rency of  the  state,  at  its  depreciated  value.  Mas- 
sachusetts sustained  a great  immediate  loss  in  that 
undertaking.  Besides  the  destruction  of  several 
valuable  armed  ships,  it  was  obliged  to  pay  for  a 
number  of  vessels,  which  were  the  property  of  in- 
dividuals. 

In  the  course  of  this  year,  taxes  were  laid  bj 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  to  the  amount  of 
two  millions,  in  addition  to  the  sums  raised  agreea- 
bly to  the  requisitions  of  Congress.  The  payment 
of  their  part  of  the  continental  army,  of  the  mi- 
litia called  out  for  the  defence  of  Rhode  Island, 
for  Boston  and  other  towns  on  the  sea-coast  with- 
in the  state,  and  the  appropriations  necessary  for 
military  stores  of  various  kinds  and  in  large  quanti- 
ties, and  for  clothing  the  men  employed  in  the  pub- 


183 


lie  service  ; all  these  required  immense  sums,  which 
the  treasury,  with  many  old  demands  upon  it,  was 
not  adequate  to  meet.  Nor  was  this  the  whole  of 
the  expense,  fo  which  the  state  was  necessarily  sub- 
jected. . The  term  for  which  those  soldiers  en- 
gaged, who  had  enlisted  for  three  years,  would 
soon  expire.  And  a great  portion  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts’ regiments  were  engaged  for  that  period  ; 
only  a few  had  enlisted  to  serve  till  the  close  of 
the  war.  It  was  necessary  therefore  to  provide 
for  their  reinlistment,  or  to  engage  others  in  their 
place.  The  former  was  desired,  as  they  were  ac- 
customed to  martial  discipline,  and  the  commander 
in  chief  was  anxious  that  the  most  of  them  should 
be  retained  in  the  service.  A committee  was  sent 
on  by  the  General  Court,  to  visit  the  army,  and  to 
prevail  with  the  soldiers  to  enlist  for  a further 
time.  They  were  furnished  with  8*200,000  to  en- 
able them  to  fulfil  the  object  of  their  mission:  and 
8300  were  to  be  allowed  as  a bounty  to  each  man 
who  would  again  enlist.  Shortly  after,  500,000 
dollars  were  remitted  to  general  Heath,  for  a sim- 
ilar purpose.  The  same  sum  was  also  promised  to 
the  officers,  as  had  been  offered  in  February  pre- 
ceding; and  the  several  towns  in  the  state  were 
again  required  to  furnish  clothing  for  the  army,  ac- 
cording to  their  respective  wealth  and  popula- 
tion. 

While  efforts  were  making  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  these  objects,  Congress,  at  the  instance  of 
general  Washington,  called  upon  Massachusetts  for 
2,000  men  to  reinforce  the  continental  army,  until 
others  could  be  engaged  for  a longer  period.  An 
order  was  issued  to  raise  them  in  the  counties  of 
Suffolk,  Essex,  Middlesex,  Worcester,  Hampshire 


184 


and  Berkshire.  The  General  Court  engaged  to 
pay  a sum  in  addition  to  that  promised  by  Con- 
gress ; and  the  towns  were  required  to  advance 
30/.  to  every  man  who  should  enlist.  The  board 
of  war  was  voted  200,000/.  besides  the  sum  appro- 
priated to  that  department,  a short  time  before; 
to  be  taken  from  the  receipts  on  sales  of  the  es- 
tates of  refugees. 

The  General  Court  had  an  adjournment  in  Oc- 
tober; having  been  in  session  more  than  six  months 
from  the  first  of  January,  and  having  given  autho- 
rity to  the  Council  to  call  the  assembly  together 
whenever  the  public  service  should  render  it  pro- 
per; and  to  order  out  the  militia,  not  exceeding 
4000,  if  any  exigency  should  occur  to  require  it. 
They  also  appointed  a public  fast,  which  was 
unusual  at  that  season  of  the  year.  This  was  evi- 
dence of  the  great  distresses  of  the  people,  and  of 
the  apprehension  of  public  calamities.  In  such 
circumstances,  the  pious  rulers  of  Massachusetts 
had  always  appointed  a day  for  humiliation  and 
prayer;  and  the  people  were  ready  to  ackno\v- 
ledge  the  overruling  providence  of  God,  and  to 
unite  in  seeking  his  guidance  and  blessing. 

The  southern  part  of  the  United  States  was  the  ' 
principal  scene  of  hostilities  at  this  period.  Major 
general  Lincoln  of  Massachusetts  had  been  sent  to 
take  the  command  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia. 
The  enemy  had  a powerful  force  in  that  vicinity, 
while  the  continental  troops  were  but  few.  Lin- 
coln was  obliged  to  depend  much  upon  the  aid  of 
the  militia  and  volunteers.  The  French  fleet 
arrived  from  the  West  Indies,  and  landed  a consi- 
derable number  of  men,  to  cooperate  with  the 
Americans.  They  besieged  the  city  of  Savannah 


without  success.  The  French  commander  would 
not  consent  to  remain  a sufficient  time  for  carrying 
on  the  siege  in  a regular  manner.  In  an  unsuc- 
cessful assault  upon  the  place,' the  Americans  were 
repulsed,  with  considerable  loss.-  Among  the  slain, 
was  the^brave  Count  Polaski,  d-Polish  nobleman. 
Count  d’Estaing  also  was  wounded  in  this  unfortu- 
nate affair.  If  he  was  deficient  in  judgment,  in 
urging  the  attack,  unprepared  as  they  were,  he 
discovered  great  personal  courage ; and  was  justly 
esteemed  as  an  ardent  friend  to  America.  General 
Lincoln  retired  from  before  Savannah,  and  march- 
ed to  Charleston,  in  South  Carolina.  The  enemy 
in  that  quarter  were  soon  after  reinforced  by  a 
large  number  of  troops  from  New  York,  and  set 
down  before  that  city.  After  a siege  of  nearly  five 
months,  Lincoln  was  obliged  to  capitulate.  His 
force  was  comparatively  small,  and  he  was  unable 
longer  to  hold  out  against  a powerful  enemy,  dis- 
tant as  he  was  from  all  succour  that  could  be 
afforded  by  general  Washington.  He  was  anxious, 
also,  to  save,  as  far  as  possible,  the  lives  and  pro- 
perty of  the  citizens  of  Charleston.*  Lincoln  was 
an  intelligent  and  brave  officer ; but  his  love  of 
glory  never  overcame  his  feelings  of  humanity. 

The  convention  for  forming  a constitution  met 
again  in  January,  1780,  when  they  agreed  upon 
one  ; and  in  March,  ordered  it  published  and  sent 
to  the  several  towns  in  the  State.  The  votes  of 
the  people  on  this  subject  Avere  directed  to  be 
returned  in  June  following;  Avhen  it  appeared  that 
more  than  two  thirds  of  the  votes  given,  Avere  in 

* The  inhabitants  of  that  city  repeatedly  and  earnestly  re- 
quested general  Lincoln  to  surrender  the  place  to  the  British, 
before  he  was  induced  to  do  it. 

VOL.  n.  24 


186 


1‘av'our  of  adopting  it.  The  convention  had  assem- 
bled^ at  that  time,  to  receive  and  examine  the 
votes  of  the  people.  The  vote  in  Boston  was  in 
favour  of  the  constitution  as  submitted ; but  they 
expressed  a desire  for  several  alterations,  and  in- 
structed their  delegates  accordingly.  They  pro- 
posed an  alteration  in  the  third  article  of  the  bill 
of  rights,  which  provides  for  religious  instruction. 
They  were  satisfied  of  the  importance  of  religious 
teachers  to  the  welfare  of  society  and  the  morals 
of  the  people  ; but  they  wished  also  for  perfect 
toleration,  and  for  no  degree  of  compulsion  in 
religious  sentiments  or  worship.  They  appre- 
hended that  liberty  of  conscience  might  be  in- 
fringed; and  they  suggested  that  all  should  be 
required  to  pay ; but  that  the  amount  assessed 
upon  such  as  attended  no  place  of  worship  should 
be  appropriated  to  the  poor,  or  to  some  other 
useful  public  purpose.  They  wished  the  provi- 
sion respecting  the  privilege  of  habeas  corpus  to 
be  more  accurately  defined,  and  more  liberally 
granted,  so  that  the  citizens  should  not  be  subject 
to  confinement  on  suspicion.  And  they  were  in 
favour  of  a power  in  the  governor,  without  leave 
of  the  legislature,  to  order  the  militia  to  an  ad- 
joining State,  in  time  of  danger.  But  their  accept- 
ance of  the  Constitution  did  not  depend  upon  the 
adoption  of  these  amendments.  Nor  was  it  in  the 
power  of  the  Convention  to  incorporate  them  into 
the  instrument,  without  another  appeal  to  the 
people,  which  would  not  have  been  judicious. 

There  were  also  objections  made  by  writers  in 
the  public  papers,  to  some  parts  of  the  constitu- 
tion ; chiefly  to  the  third  article,  which  required 
all  classes  of  people  to  contribute  to  the  support 


187 


of  religious  teachers.  It  was  intended  by  the 
framers  of  the  constitution,  that  every  citizen 
should  enjoy  perfect  liberty  of  conscience  ; and  it 
was  believed  that  all  really  religious  persons  would 
acquiesce  in  that  article  ; for  every  one  was  to 
worship  according  to  such  form  or  mode  as  his  con- 
science should  dictate,  and  to  pay  to  such  teacher 
as  he  might  attend.  It  was  also  provided  that  no 
one  should  be  molested  on  account  of  his  religious 
opinions;  and  that  no  denomination  of  Christians 
should  have  any  exclusive  or  peculiar  privileges. 
The  Baptists  were  the  most  inclined  to  complain, 
for  the  teachers  of  religion  were  generally  of  the 
Congregational  order  ; and  although  every  one  had 
the  liberty,  as  was  his  right,  to  worship  with  the 
Baptists,  and  to  join  their  societies,  yet  those  who 
had  belonged  to  other  churches,  and  were  desirous 
of  becoming  members  of  these,  were  subjected  to 
the  inconveniences  (which  they  considered  oppres- 
sive, and  inconsistent  with  their  rights)  of  applying 
for  license  so  to  do.  By  impartial  men,  in  other 
States  and  countries,  that  part  of  the  Constitution 
was,  however,  generally  acknowledged  to  be  wise 
and  liberal.  Some  writers  insisted  that  the  instru- 
ment should  provide  absolutely  for  a convention, 
in  fifteen  years,  to  revise  the  Constitution,  instead 
of  barely  allowing  for  such  a revision  at  the  end 
of  that  period.  But  this  objection  had  little 
weight ; for  if  a general  desire  should  be  manifest- 
ed to  have  a convention  to  alter  the  constitution, 
it  would  certainly  be  called  ; and,  without  such 
desire  or  conviction,  it  would  be  very  unwise  to 
make  such  a meeting  necessary.  In  1795,  when 
the  question  was  submitted  to  the  people,  they 
declared  against  calling  a convention.  Notice  was 


18a 


officially  given  to  the  General  Court,  that  the 
Constitution  was  accepted  by  the  people,  and  that 
the  convention  had  fixed,  as  authorised  by  the 
people  in  their  returns  of  votes,  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  October,  for  the  organization  of 
the  government,  agreeably  to  its  provisions.  The 
election  of  governor,  lieutenant-governor,  and  se- 
nators, took  place  on  the  first  of  September;  and 
the  representatives  were  chosen  in  the  month  of 
October,  and  ten  days  previously  to  the  last 
Wednesday. 

In  pursuance  of  a plan  of  Congress  to  prevent 
the  depreciation  of  paper  money,  and  to  remedy 
the  evils  and  sufferings  it  produced,  that  body, 
early  in  the  year  1780,  resolved,  that  15,000,000 
dollars  should  be  called  in  monthly,  for  the  term 
of  one  year ; and  the  several  states  were  required 
to  provide  for  collecting  their  respective  quotas. 
The  whole  amount  of  paper  which  Congress  had 
issued  was  about  160,000,000  dollars.  The  por- 
tion to  Massachusetts  of  the  15,000,000,  to  be  paid 
or  called  in  monthly,  was  2,000,000.  But  the  bills 
had  become  so  much  depreciated,  that,  at  the  rate 
of  exchange  of  paper  for  specie,  which  was  now 
one  for  forty,  the  sum  was  really  but  50,000  per 
month.  This  even  was  a large  amount,  and  the 
state  was  not  able  to  raise  it.  A part  of  the  plan 
of  Congress,  therefore,  was  that  each  state  should 
either  become  debtors  to  those  who  brought  in  the 
old  continental  paper,  and  become  answerable  to 
pay  them  at  a future  period,  or  periods,  and  charge 
the  same  to  the  continent ; or  should  have  a new 
emission  of  bills,  amounting  to  one  twentieth  of 
the  sum  called  in  from  circulation  and  destroyed. 
The  new  bills  were  to  be  considered  equal  to  spe- 


189 


cie ; and  to  keep  up  their  value,  Congress  also 
engaged  to  be  responsible  for  their  payment,  and 
to  pledge  the  faith  and  credit  of  the  continent; 
and  advised  the  several  states  to  provide  for  their 
redemption  and  payment,  by  annual  instalments, 
within  the  period  of  six  years.  A great  quantity 
of  depreciated  paper  was  thus  taken  out  of  cir- 
culation; and  a new  emission  substituted,  of  far 
less  amount  indeed,  but  which  retained  its  nominal 
value  only  a short  period.  This  was  a necessary 
consequence  of  the  heavy  debt,  which  the  state 
was  then  owing,  and  of  an  apprehension  that  it 
would  not  be  able  to  redeem  the  bills  at  the  nomi- 
nal value,  or  within  the  time  promised.  It  was  at- 
tempted also  to  borrow  specie  ; but  for  the  rea- 
sons here  suggested,  the  attempt  was  attended  with 
very  little  success. 

The  debt  of  Massachusetts,  exclusive  of  the 
amount  which  the  state  had  to  provide,  as  its  quo- 
ta of  continental  arrears,  at  this  time,  was  nomi- 
nally two  hundred  millions  of  dollars ; though,  (on 
the  calculation  before  mentioned,  of  forty  for  one,) 
the  difference  between  the  bills  to  be  paid  and 
specie,  or  the  new  bills  to  be  issued,  was  so  great, 
that  the  debt  was  really  but  five  millions.'^  And 
it  is  also  to  be  considered,  that  if  the  state  was 
liable  for  this  amount,  it  had  large  claims  on  Con- 
gress; as  much  of  the  expenses  incurred  for  seve- 
ral years,  were  for  continental  purposes,  and  a re- 
imbursement would  be  required.  The  amount, 
for  which  the  state  would  be  solely  and  eventually 

* The  valuation  returns  at  this  time  gave  but  11  millions  as 
the  property  of  the  state ; but  it  was  supposed  to  be  double 
that  amount. 


190 


liable,  therefore,  would  be  less  than  the  debt 
standing  against  it. 

In  March  and  April  of  1780,  two  tax  bills  were 
voted,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  nearly  a million 
of  dollars,  in  specie  value,  or  if  paid  in  the  new 
bills  then  ordered  to  be  issued ; by  which  36  mil- 
lions of  depreciated  paper,  which  were  then  forty 
for  one,  would  be  called  in.  And  these  were  or- 
dered to  be  defaced  or  destroyed,  and  bills  of  the 
new  emission  to  be  put  in  circulation.  One  third 
of  the  amount  of  the  new  emission  was  ordered  to 
be  retained  for  the  use  of  the  state,  and  the  re- 
sidue appropriated  to  purposes  of  the  continent, 
as  Congress  might  direct.  It  was  also  resolved  by 
the  legislature,  that  an  annual  tax  of  240,000  dol- 
lars should  be  laid  for  seven  years,  to  enable  the 
state  to  fulfil  its  promises  to  the  public  creditors, 
including  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  army.  And 
it  was  provided,  that  if  the  Court  should  not  pass  a 
tax  bill  to  that  amount  in  any  of  these  years,  the 
treasurer  should  issue  his  warrants  for  it. 

The  heavy  debt  of  the  state  was  the  occasion 
of  much  complaint  among  the  people  ; and  the 
General  Court  was  charged  with  inattention  and 
want  of  economy.  But  the  expenses  were  great 
beyond  all  former  times ; and  it  is  rather  wonder- 
ful, that  the  credit  of  the  state  was  not  wholly 
lost,  when  it  is  recollected  what  public  services 
were  performed,  and  what  numbers  of  men  were 
employed  in  the  army  at  different  times.  Most 
public  purchases  were  made  under  disadvantages, 
and  it  was  well  known  by  those  who  served  the 
state,  or  furnished  articles  at  the  request  of  its 
agents,  that  the  day  of  payment  was  far  distant. 
Perhaps,  in  no  country,  under  such  pressing  cir- 


191 


cumstances,  were  there  ever  fewer  defaulters,  or 
less  loss  to  the  public  interests.  The  expenses  of 
the  British  government  for  supporting  troops  in 
America  for  five  years,  then  past  were  37  1-2 
millions  sterling. 

Large  sums  were  put  into  the  hands  of  the 
board  of  war,  who  had  the  care  of  furnishing  mi- 
litary stores  for  various  places,  and  of  supplying 
the  officers  and  soldiers  with  necessary  clothing. 
Those  who  continuecLin  the  army  were  provided 
with  clothes  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  state,  in 
addition  to  their  regular  wages,  or  by  way  of  boun- 
ty : and  such  as  enlisted  for  the  first  time,  to  fill 
up  the  regiments  of  the  state,  on  the  continental 
establishment,  received  large  bounties,  as  well  as 
many  articles  for  the  comfort  of  their  families. 
Most  of  the  clothing  for  the  army  was  furnished 
from  the  cargoes  of  prizes  taken  from  the  enemy. 
But  these  were  not  at  all  times  sufficient  : and  dur- 
ing this  year,  (1780)  an  agent  was  employed  by 
Massachusetts  to  procure  goods  in  Europe,  on  the 
credit  of  the  state  ; or  by  loans  taken  up  on  its 
behalf. 

Though  the  public  mind  was  chiefly  engaged 
in  political  concerns,  the  interests  of  science  were 
not  wholly  neglected.  The  academy  of  arts  and 
sciences  was  this  year  formed,  consisting  of  about 
fifty  members,  who  were  distinguished  for  their 
literary  researches  and  attainments.  James  Bow- 
doin  was  its  first  president ; a gentleman  celebrat- 
ed as  well  for  his  patriotism  and  virtue  as  for  his 
philosophic  pursuits.* 

* An  academy  was  also  established  at  Andover  in  1780, 
for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  the  higher  branches  of  litera- 


192 


A singular  phenomena  occurred  on  the  19^/^ 
day  of  May,  this  year,  which  was  the  occasion  of 
great  alarm  to  the  common  people,  and  of  much 
speculation  among  the  learned.  The  morning  was 
cloudy,  and  in  some  places  a little  rain  fell.  By 
the  middle  of  the  day  there  was  an  unusual  dark- 
ness; which  increased  till  two  or  three  o’clock,  so 
that  it  was  as  necessary  to  have  artificial  lights,  as 
at  one  hour  after  the  setting  of  the  sun.  The 
birds  and  beasts  repaired  to  their  places  of 
nightly  rest.  The  darkness  did  not  extend  be- 
yond Connecticut,  nor  very  far  at  sea.  It  was  at- 
tributed to  a thick  smoke,  (united  with  the 
heavy  clouds,)  which  had  been  accumulating  for 
several  days,  occasioned  by  extensive  fires  which 
then  raged  in  the  northern  parts  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, where  the  people  were  making  new  settle- 
ments. 

The  inhabitants  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Maine 
were  exposed  to  depredations  from  the  enemy  at 
Penobscot,  and  from  their  armed  ships  which 
were  hovering  on  the  coast.  Besides  the  two 
companies  at  Machias,  one  of  infantry  and  one  of 
artillery,  for  the  protection  of  that  place  and 
vicinity,  it  was  ordered  that  750  men  should  be 
stationed  on  the  western  shores  of  Penobscot  bay 
to  check  the  incursions  of  the  enemy  from  that 
place.  These  were  raised  chiefly  in  that  part  of 
the  state  ; and  were  put  under  command  of  gene- 
ral Wadsworth,  who  had  been  second  in  command 
in  the  expedition  to  Penobscot,  the  preceding 
year.  The  state  of  New  Hampshire  was  also  re- 

ture  than  were  attended  to  in  common  schools.  It  has  prov- 
ed a nursery  of  useful  learning. 


J93 


quested  to  furnish  a number  of  men  for  that  sta- 
tion; and  a French  frigate,  in  company  with  a 
sloop  of  war  belonging  to  Massachusetts,  cruised 
sometime  on  that  coast,  for  the  security  of  the 
inhabitants. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


State  of  the  country  . . . More  militia  ordered. . .Treachery  of  Arnold  . < . 
General  Court  under  new  constitution ...  Governor’s  speech  ...  Bur- 
dens and  complaints  of  people  . , . Loans  . . . Militia  at  northward  . . . 
Recruits  for  army  . . . Large  bounties  . . . Committee  to  revise  laws  . . . 
Further  discontents  ...  Great  taxes.. .New  calls  of  Congress  ...  Ex- 
cise acts  . . . And  impost  proposed  . . . Militia  marched  to  Rhode  Island, 
and  to  New  York  . . . Capture  of  Cornwallis  . . . renewed  military  pre- 
parations . . . Complaints . . . Riot  in  Hampshire. 

It  was  now  five  years  since  the  war  commenc* 
ed  : and  general  Washington  seemed  to  be  desir- 
ous of  more  efficient  and  decisive  operations  against 
the  enemy.  The  British  forces  indeed  were  for- 
midable ; and  recruits  were  necessary  to  act  mere- 
ly on  the  defensive,  with  the  hope  of  affording 
protection  to  the  country.  The  enemy  had  a 
great  number  of  regular  troops  in  the  southern 
states,  and  were  committing  depredations  without 
much  check.  General  Gates,  who  commanded  in 
that  quarter  after  the  capture  of  Lincoln  in 
Charleston,  was  not  fortunate  in  his  efforts 
against  the  British.  They  were  victorious  in  all 
places,  till  general  Greene  was  sent  into  that  de- 
partment : and  though  his  numbers  were  com- 
paratively small,  and  insufficient  wholly  to  arrest 
their  progress,  he  was  able,  by  great  efforts  and 
skill,  to  put  some  limits  to  their  destructive  march. 
The  enemy  at  and  near  INew  York,  under  general 


X 


195 

Clinton,  were  also  very  numerous ; and,  at  times, 
meditated  an  attack  upon  the  American  lines. 
His  navy  was  of  great  advantage  to  his  plans  and 
movements  in  that  quarter.  But  Washington  was 
not  satisfied  with  preparations  to  receive  an  attack 
from  the  British  commander ; though  this,  per- 
haps, required  all  his  vigilance  and  all  the  force 
he  could  calculate  upon  with  certainty.  French 
troops  were  expected  this  season;  and  he  was  de- 
sirous, on  their  arrival,  to  strike  a decisive  blow  ; 
and  if  possible,  to  induce  the  enemy  to  quit  the 
country.  The  marquis  de  Lafayette  had  then  re- 
cently arrived  from  France,  where  he  had  been 
for  about  a year  on  a visit  to  his  family,  and  to 
prevail  upon  the  king  to  take  a more  active  part 
in  favour  of  the  United  States.  The  intelligence 
by  the  marquis  was,  that  another  fleet  and  seve- 
ral thousand  troops  were  destined  for  America,  to 
act  in  concert  with  the  army  under  general  Wash- 
ington. He  had  represented  to  the  French  court, 
that  the  Americans  would  make  a great  effort  the 
ensuing  campaign  ; and,  with  the  assistance  of  some 
troops  from  France,  would  probably  be  able  to 
conquer  the  enemy  within  a short  period.  On  his 
arrival,  he  made  this  statement  to  Washington,  to 
Congress  and  to  some  leading  men  in  Massachu- 
setts and  urged  them  to  raise  an  additional  num- 
ber of  men  to  be  able  to  act  with  effect,  when  the 
French  troops  should  arrive.  General  Washing- 
ton had  already  made  an  urgent  request  upon  the 
state  for  4000  men  for  six  months,  to  reinforce 
the  continental  army;  a great  part  of  which  were 

* Particularly  to  Hon.  S.  Adams,  then  both  a member  of 
Congress  and  of  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts. 


19G 


needed  to  fill  up  the  regular  regiments  belonging 
to  the  Massachusetts  line.  The  General  Court 
immediately  issued  orders  to  the  several  towns  in 
the  state  to  enlist  or  draft  their  respective  portions 
of  the  number  required  ; and  great  exertions  were 
made  to  induce  the  men  to  engage.  Within  a 
month  after  the  former  requisition,  there  was  a 
call  for  4,700  of  the  militia,  for  three  months,  to 
be  marched  to  Head  quarters,  with  all  possible 
dispatch.  The  towns  were  also  required  to  raise 
these  men  in  a similar  manner.  By  request  of 
general  Washington,  a few  weeks  subsequently, 
one  thousand  horses  were  furnished  the  army  from 
Massachusetts ; and  two  thousand  head  of  cattle 
for  beef. 

In  consequence  of  the  difficulty  of  raising  men 
for  the  cont  inental  army,  wffien  required,  and  of 
the  complaints  of  the  people  against  the  General 
Court,  as  it  it  might  have  prevented  in  some  mea- 
sure the  great  embarrassments  which  existed,  it 
was  proposed  by  Massachusetts  to  some  of  the 
other  states,  to  invest  Congress  wnth  greater 
power,  so  that  it  might  provide  all  necessary  sup- 
plies for  the  army,  Vv^ithout  calling  upon  the 
states  in  their  separate  capacity.  Several  of  the 
states  favoured  the  plan;  but  it  was  never  matur- 
ed. The  difficulty  which  was  complained  of,  did  not 
arise  from  the  want  of  authority  in  each  indivi- 
dual State,  but  from  the  circumstances  of  the 
times,  which  under  any  government  would -have 
imposed  a 'heavy  burden  upon  the  people.  About 
the  same  time  there  was  a second  meeting,  at 
Hartford  in  Connecticut,  of  committees  from  the 
New  England  states,  to  consult  ©n  some  uniform 
mode  of  raising  troops  for  the  next  year. 


197 


In  September  of  this  year  (1780,)  general  Ar- 
nold, who  commanded  the  continental  post  at 
West  Point,  on  Hudson’s  river,  a very  strong  for- 
tress, and  the  key  to  that  part  of  the  country, 
treacherously  concerted  with  the  enemy  to  deliver 
that  place  into  their  hands.  Had  he  not  been 
discovered  and  defeated  in  this  most  iniquitous 
plan,  the  British,  in  possession  of  that  fortress  and 
with  a large  fleet  in  the  river,  would  have  cut  ofl* 
all  communication  between  the  New  England 
states  and  the  more  southern  parts  of  the  conti- 
nent. And  such  an  event  might  have  been  most 
disastrous.  General  Washington  was  at  Hartford, 
at  this  time,  where  he  had  gone  to  meet  the  com- 
mander of  French  troops  then  lately  arrived  at 
Newport.  The  plot  was  seasonably  discovered, 
hut  the  traitor  escaped.  Arnold  had  many  troops 
from  i\ln<?sarhusetts  and  the  other  eastern  states 
under  his  command  : out  not  one  of  his  officers  or 
men  was  implicated  in  the  nefarious  design.*  This 
man  had  been  a brave  and  active  officer  in  the 
American  army  for  five  years  : and  at  one  period 
enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  commander  in  chief, 
and  of  his  companions  in  the  army.  Some  time 
before  this  affair,  however,  he  had  discovered  a 
most  avaricious  spirit ; and  was  charged  with  very 
dishonourable  and  iniquitous  conduct,  in  appro- 
priating the  public  monies  to  his  own  private  use. 

On  the  last  Wednesday  of  October,  (1780)  the 
civil  government  of  Massachusetts  was  organized, 
under  the  constitution  then  recently  adopted  by 
the  people  of  the  state.  John  Hancock  was  elect- 
ed governor;  but  no  person  was  chosen  lieutenant 
governor  by  the  votes  of  the  people.  The  Gene- 
ral Court  elected  James  Bowdoin  to  that  office ; 


198 


but  he  declined  it.  James  Warren  was  then  chosen, 
and  he  also  declined  the  trust.  Afterwards,  Tho- 
mas Cushing  was  chosen,  who  accepted  the  ap- 
pointment. Jeremiah  Powell  was  elected  Presi- 
dent of  the  Senate;  and  Caleb  Davis,  speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives.  The  House  con- 
sisted of  two  hundred  members.  In  his  public 
speech,  a few  days  after  his  election  was  declared, 
the  governor  recommended  to  the  legislature  to 
provide  for  completing  the  state’s  quota  of  men 
for  the  continental  army,  and  for  the  payment  of 
wages  to  the  officers  and  soldiers.  He  urged  them 
to  cause  the  men  to  enlist  for  the  time  the  war 
should  continue,  as  it  was  the  particular  desire  of 
general  Washington,  that  they  should  so  engage.  He 
also  entreated  them  to  make  every  effort  to  main- 
tain the  credit  of  the  state  ; to  see  that  the  taxes 
assessed  were  collected  with  greater  punctuality  ; 
to  cherish  the  interests  of  education;  to  consider  the 
sufferings  of  the  clergy ; and  to  patronize  sabbati- 
cal institutions,  which  in  the  time  of  war  were  apt 
to  be  disregarded. 

At  this  period,  there  were  loud  complaints  among 
all  classes  of  people,  as  well  those  who  remained 
at  their  homes  as  those  who  were  in  the  army. 
The  former  were  subject  to  almost  constant  calls 
to  enlist  men  for  the  military  service,  and  to  pay 
their  portion  of  the  heavy  and  repeated  taxes, 
which  w^ere  assessed.  Of  this  class  too,  many 
were  creditors  to  the  state  ; but  were  unable  to 
obtain  payment ; the  others  had  suffered  exceed- 
ingly by  the  depreciation  of  money,  in  which  they 
received  their  wages ; and  the  state  was  greatly 
in  debt  to  them,  which  it  could  not  discharge  for 
njany  years.  Many  also  of  those  who  had  loaned 


199 


money,  or  furnished  goods  to  the  public,  had  bcea 
subjected  to  loss  by  receiving  depreciated  paper. 
The  officers  and  soldiers  were  importunate  for 
their  wages ; the  public  creditors  were  anxious 
for  their  dues ; those  who  had  articles  to  supply 
the  wants  of  the  state  were  unwilling  to  dispose 
of  them ; and  all  who  had  taxes  to  pay  complain- 
ed of  their  inability  to  contribute  so  largely  as  re- 
quired. 

But  the  patriotic  efforts  of  the  legislature  were 
in  some  measure  proportionate  to  the  difficulties 
they  had  to  encounter ; and  with  all  the  com- 
plaints and  wants  of  the  people,  they  generally 
had  confidence  in  the  integrity  and  ability  of  their 
rulers.  A great  part  of  the  depreciated  paper 
had  been  taken  out  of  circulation,  and  new  bills 
substituted,  which  for  some  time  retained  nearly 
their  nominal  value.  Much  specie  was  also  cir- 
culated ; for  large  quantities  had  been  brought 
into  the  country  by  the  French,  and  by  the  prizes 
taken  in  the  West  Indies  by  the  American  armed 
vessels. 

The  legislature  determined  to  raise  by  direct 
taxes  all  that  was  practicable,  to  force  the  sales 
of  Refugees’  estates,  and  to  collect  such  sums  as 
public  spirited  individuals  would  loan  to  the'  com- 
monwealth.* The  state  had  already  borrowed 
large  sums,  which  it  had  not  been  able  to  pay,  as 
promised ; and  it  had  also,  within  six  months,  at- 
tempted to  raise  more  by  loans,  but  without  much 
success.  But  necessity  urged  them  once  more  to 

* At  this  time,  the  General  Court  ordered  the  sale  of  the 
manufacturing  house  in  Boston  and  the  valuable  lot  of  land 
adjoining  to  it. 


200 


make  the  effort.  Committees  were  chosen  bj  the 
General  Court,  of  the  most  patriotic  and  respecta- 
ble citizens,*  in  each  county,  and  in  the  large  and 
populous  towns,  to  solicit  loans.  The  sum  of  400,- 
000/.  was  voted  to  be  raised;  but  there  is  no  evi- 
dence that  the  whole  was  obtained ; though  con- 
siderable sums  were  collected  by  the  committees 
appointed  for  that  purpose. 

In  an  address  to  the  people,  at  this  time,  with 
particular  reference  to  the  great  amount  of  taxes, 
of  which  many  complained,  the  General  Court 
said — “ We  conjure  you  by  all  the  ties  of  honour 
and  patriotism,  to  give  up  every  consideration  of 
‘private  advantage ; and  that,  without  delay,  you 
assist  in  supplying  the  treasury,  as  it  is  impossible 
to  support  an  army,  if  the  people  withhold  their 
taxes.  Let  it  be  evident,  on  the  contrary,  that 
the  people  of  Massachusetts  are  animated  with 
the  same  principles  which  inspired  them  in  the 
early  stages  of  the  contest,  and  that  the  salvation 
of  the  country  absorbs  every  other  object.  Thus 
shall  we  dash  the  last  hope  of  the  enemy,  founded 
as  it  is  upon  the  inattention  and  avarice  of  any 
part  of  the  community.” 

The  Canadians  and  Indians  gave  an  alarm  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  parts  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  in  the  Autumn  of  1780,  and  in- 
vaded some  of  the  frontier  settlements.  As  there 
was  no  large  regular  force  in  that  quarter,  they 
had  been  emboldened  to  attack  several  towns,  and 
threatened  to  commit  more  extensive  depredations. 

* In  Boston,  W.  Phillips,  E.  Payne,  S.  Higginson,  J.  Rowe : 
In  Beverly  G.  Cabot : In  Salem  E.  H.  Derby  and  J.  Ashton  : 
In  Marblehead,  E.  Gerry,  J.  Glover:  In  Newburyport,  J. 
Jackson  and  N.  Tracy. 


201 


The  militia  of  Berkshire  were  ordered  out,  in 
considerable  numbers,  under  general  Fellows,  and 
marched  to  north  river  and  the  lakes,  to  prevent 
the  further  incursions  of  the  enemy. 

A large  number  of  the  soldiers  in  the  con- 
tinental army,  belonging  to  Massachusetts,  had 
now  completed  their  time  of  enlistment,  and  were 
resolved  to  return  to  their  homes.  It  was  neces- 
sary to  engage  them  for  a longer  period,  or  to 
enlist  others  in  their  room.  As  an  inducement  to 
them  to  re-enlist,  a bounty  of  sixty  dollars  in 
specie  was  offered  to  each  man.  £60,000  were 
appropriated  for  this  object,  and  a great  part  sent 
on  to  the  army,  by  agents  employed  to  engage  the 
soldiers  to  remain  in  the  service.  To  those  who 
had  wages  for  a long  time  due,  both  officers  and 
soldiers,  and  were  still  belonging  to  the  army, 
several  months’  pay  was  also  forwarded  in  specie, 
or  the  new  emission  of  paper.  The  payment  of 
wages  was  then  chiefly  in  specie,  so  far  as  it  was 
made  at  all.  The  officers  had  still  large  demands 
upon  the  State  or  Continent  for  compensation. 

In  the  course  of  this  year,  (1780)  a new  ar- 
rangement of  the  army  took  place.  The  regi- 
ments were  reduced  to  29  of  infantry,  4 of  artillery, 
and  4 of  cavalry.  Massachusetts  was  required  to 
have  only  ten  regiments  of  infantry,  and  one  of 
artillery  ; which,  however,  was  nearly  one  third 
of  the  whole  establishment.  The  oldest  officers 
had  the  choice  of  retiring  from  immediate  service, 
on  half  pay  ; liable  to  be  called  out  at  any  future 
time,  and  entitled  to  all  bounties  of  land,  and  other 
gratuities,  promised  to  those  who  served  during 
the  war. 

The  number  of  men  required  of  Massachusetts, 
VOL.  II.  26 


202 


to  complete  its  proportion  of  the  continental  army, 
calculating  that  all  the  soldiers  would  retire  whose 
term  of  service  was  about  to  expire,  was  4200. 
Under  the  circumstances  of  the  times,  it  was  very 
difficult  to  engage  such  a number.  Some,  however, 
were  induced  to  enlist  again;  for  the  terms  offered 
by  the  General  Court  were  more  favourable  than 
had  been  proposed  at  any  former  period.  Several 
towns  in  the  Commonwealth  were  still  delinquent, 
though  they  had  been  often  required  to  furnish 
a certain  number  of  soldiers.  These  were  now 
enjoined  immediately  to  enlist  the  number  which 
had  been  allotted  them ; and  authorized  to  give  a 
bounty  of  fifty  dollars,  which  should  be  allowed 
on  the  settlement  of  their  taxes.  All  who  would 
enlist  were  to  be  excused  from  a tax  on  their 
polls  and  personal  estate.  General  Washington 
was  urgent  in  his  request,  that  this  number  of  men 
should  be  furnished  early  in  the  ensuing  year, 
(1781);  and  he  was  equally  desirous  they  should  be 
engaged  for  the  time  the  war  should  continue ; 
for  he  had  suffered  for  want  of  regular  troops, 
who  vrere  accustomed  to  military  discipline  ; and 
the  militia,  besides,  were  not  always  furnished  at 
the  time  required. 

The  General  Court  was  adjourned,  in  the  month 
of  December,  after  an  active  and  useful  session,  to 
meet  again  in  January  ; having  appointed  a com- 
mittee* “to  revise  the  laws  in  use  in  the  Common- 
wealth, to  select,  abridge,  alter,  and  digest  , them, 

* This  committee  consisted  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior 
Court,  the  Attorney  General,  James  Bowdoin,  and  John  Pick- 
ering. This  committee  was  also  requested  to  prepare  bills 
for  the  due  observation  of  the  Sabbath,  and  for  the  prevention 
of  drunkenness  and  profanity. 


203 


so  as  they  should  be  accommodated  to  the  present 
government.” 

In  the  winter  of  1781,  a spirit  of  discontent  and 
complaint  prevailed,  as  much  as  in  the  preceding 
year ; particularly  in  the  western  counties  of  tlie 
Commonwealth.  This  was  owing,  principally,  to 
the  heavy  taxes,  and  to  objections  to  the  new 
form  of  government.  There  was  some  evidence 
that  persons  inimical  to  American  independence 
were  the  authors  of  this  uneasiness ; for  there 
were  then  a few  secret  enemies  of  liberty  remain- 
ing in  the  country,  whose  object  it  was  to  render 
the  people  dissatisfied  Avith  their  government.  It 
is  always  easy  for  artful  men  to  poison  the  minds 
of  the  common  people,  and  to  misrepresent  the 
conduct  and  designs  of  rulers.  A committee  of 
the  General  Court  was  appointed  to  institute  en- 
quiries ; and  if  there  should  be  evidence  of  insi- 
dious attempts  to  interrupt  the  regular  course  of 
government,  to  take  the  authors  of  them  into  cus- 
tody, for  trial. 

To  quiet  the  minds  of  their  constituents,  the 
General  Court  published  an  address,  in  which  they 
stated  the  debt  of  the  Commonwealth,  the  amount 
of  taxes  necessary  to  be  assessed,  and  the  means 
for  paying  the  expences  of  the  State.  They  re- 
minded the  people  that  the  arduous  contest  in 
which -the  country  was  engaged,  necessarily  de- 
manded great  efforts  and  sacrifices  ; and  intreated 
them  to  consider,  that  the  blessings  of  freedom 
were  too  valuable  and  precious  to  be  hazarded 
by  any  Avant  of  pecuniary  contributions.  They 
declared,  also,  that  all  possible  economy  should 
be  practised,  Avhich  Avas  consistent  Avith  a due 
regard  to  the  public  Avelfare.  The  sums  ne- 


204 


cessary  during  the  year,  they  stated,  would  be 
950,000/.  Some  ol‘  the  items  were  these  : for 
the  civil  list,  30,000/. ; interest  on  public  notes, 
and  on  wages  due  officers,  213,000/. ; for  Congress, 
b(),000/. ; instalment  of  public  debt  to  be  paid, 
.'300,000/.;  clothing  for  the  army,  two  years,  50,000/.; 
with  others  of  a less  amount.  This  was  to  be  dis- 
charged by  the  tax  to  be  collected,  of  320,000/. ; 
by  loans  of  400,000/. ; by  a specie  tax  then  due, 
and  assessed  some  time  previously,  of  72,000/.;  from 
sales  of  absentees’  estates,  40,000/.;  &c.  By  the 
measures  adopted,  and  exertions  made  this  year, 
the  debt  was  lessened,  without  increasing  the  taxes 
beyond  the  amount  required  the  preceding  year. 
Loans,  however,  were  resorted  to ; and  considera- 
ble sums  were  raised  in  this  manner,  by  the  solici- 
tations of  the  agents  of  the  State,  and  the  friends  of 
government.  It  was  found,  that  it  would  be  utterly 
impracticable  to  raise  sufficient  by  direct  taxes,  to 
meet  all  the  extraordinary  demands  of  the  State, 
and  of  Congress,  to  pay  old  debts,  and  defray  the 
necessary  expences  which  would  arise  in  the  year. 
And  it  was  considered  just,  that  those  who  would 
enjoy  the  great  benefits  expected  from  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  should  be  liable  to  pay  a part  of 
the  price  at  which  they  were  purchased. 

The  disposition  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
to  maintain  its  peculiar  rights  and  power,  was 
manifested,  at  this  session,  in  a manner  which 
shewed  that  they  would  contend  for  their  autho- 
rity in  an  unimportant  and  doubtful  case.  The 
Senate  chose  a committee  to  enquire,  whether 
the  late  returns  of  valuation  were  correct  from 
all  the  towns.  The  House  objected  to  the  Senate 
in  having  originated  the  enquiry ; and  contended 


205 


that  it  was  a subject  relating  to  money,  and,  ac- 
cording to  the  constitution,  therefore,  must  origi- 
nate in  the  House.  The  dispute  was  referred  to 
the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court,  who  decided  that 
it  would  be  proper  to  have  a joint  committee  on  the 
subject,  and  that  it  could  be  of  no  importance  in 
which  branch  of  the  legislature  the  enquiry  or  the 
appointment  of  a committee  originated.  In  compli- 
ance with  a recommendation  of  Congress,  a tax  of 
eleven  millions  of  dollars  was  laid  by  Massachusetts 
this  year,  (1781)  for  the  purpose  of  calling  in  the 
old  bills,  then  greatly  depreciated  ; the  real  value 
of  which  was  estimated  at  27.5,000  dollars.  That 
part  of  the  debt  of  the  State  which  was  for 
monies  loaned,  amounted  to  a million  of  dollars  ; 
and  to  pay  the  interest,  (30,000  in  specie  were 
appropriated.  This  year,  the  bills  of  the  new 
emission  of  paper,  which  in  1780,  had  by  statute 
been  made  a tender  in  all  payments,  would  not 
the  nominal  value,  and  the  law  was  re- 

5 course  of  this  year.  Congress  proposed  to 
the  states  to  lay  an  impost  duty  ; but  Massachu- 
setts objected  to  the  plan,  because  it  was  supposed 
it  would  operate  unequally.  They  had  much  more 
commerce  than  any  other  state,  and  their  products 
from  the  soil  were  less.  They  said,  that  by  such 
a tax  they  should  be  liable  to  pay  much  more  than 
their  portion  of  the  public  revenue.  And  they 
suggested,  that  if  an  impost  act  should  pass,  they 
ought  to  reserve  for  the  use  of  the  state  a certain 
part  of  the  monies  thus  raised.  This  reason- 
ing was  more  specious  or  more  selfish  than 
correct.  But  it  might  have  had  some  influence ; 
for  the  plan  of  raising  money  by  impost  was  not 


pass  ai 
pealed. 
In  iV 


206 


then  adopted  by  all  the  states  as  proposed  by 
Congress.  In  the  following  year  (1782)  however, 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  passed  a law  for 
raising  money  by  an  impost,  which  was  to  be  whol- 
ly appropriated  to  the  use  of  Congress,  for  the 
purpose  of  discharging  the  public  debt;  or  to  be 
expended  in  the  state,  but  for  meeting  the  expen- 
ses incurred  by  order  of  Congress  for  the  welfare 
of  the  continent.  There  were  conditions  annexed 
to  the  statute;  one  of  which  was,  that  all  the  other 
states  should  adopt  a similar  law ; and  the  other, 
that  Congress  should  annually  state  the  amount  of 
the  public  expenses  and  the  sum  collected  from  the 
impost  act.  Some  of  the  states  neglected  to  pass 
such  a law,  and  nothing  was'  collected  in  this  way 
till  1783.  Massachusetts  then  enacted  another 
law  in  favour  of  the  measure.  An  excise  act  was 
passed  by  the  legislature  laying  a duty  on  wine  and 
several  other  articles  of  luxury  sold  in  the  state  ; 
and  upon  carriages  which  were  used  solely  for 
pleasure.*  A tax  was  also  laid  on  auctions,  at  the 
rate  of  one  per  cent,  on  all  goods  sold. 

In  the  month  of  February  1781,  twelve  hun- 
dred of  the  militia  were  ordered  for  Rhode  Island, 
for  forty  days,  under  command  of  general  Lincoln. 
They  were  called  out  by  the  particular  desire  of 
the  French  general,  who  was  then  apprehensive 
of  an  attack  from  the  British  at  New  York. 
These  men  were  marched  from  the  southern  parts 
of  the  state  ; and  the  rest  of  the  militia  were  di- 
rected to  be  in  readiness  to  proceed  to  that  place 
at  the  shortest  notice. 

The  General  Court  had  a recess  of  a few  weeks 

* The  monies  thus  collected  were  particularly  designed  to 
pay  interest  on  the  debt  of  the  state. 


207 


in  March,  and  met  again  in  April.  But  during  this 
time,  they  gave  power  to  the  Executive  to  order 
out  the  militia,  if  there  should  be  a requisition  for 
them  ; and  to  furnish  such  military  stores  to  gene- 
ral Washington  as  he  might  request,  if  they  could 
be  procured  in  the  state.  The  board  of  war  had 
then  been  discontinued  ; and  the  service  formerly 
allotted  to  them  now  devolved  upon  the  governor 
and  council ; and  the  quarter-master  or  commissa- 
ry general,  under  their  directions.  Soon  after  this, 
general  Washington  called  for  men,  both  militia 
and  others  to  till  up  the  regular  regiments  of  the 
permanent  army.  For  with  all  the  exertions  which 
had  been  made,  the  state  was  still  deficient  in  en- 
listing the  full  number  of  soldiers  for  the  term  of 
the  war,  which  had  been  required.  The  General 
Court  repeated  its  call  upon  those  towns,  which 
were  delinquent ; and  while  it  held  out  great  en- 
couragement to  the  men  to  enlist,  it  imposed  a 
heavy  penalty  upon  the  towns  that  should  not 
forthwith  procure  the  number  of  soldiers,  which  it 
Avas  their  duty  before  that  time  to  have  furnished. 
And  in  consequence  of  a requisition  from  general 
Washington  the  state  procured  again  this  season, 
for  the  use  of  the  continental  army,  large  quanti- 
ties of  clothing  and  provisions.*  This  was  an  ex- 
pensive method  of  providing  for  the  array ; but  it 
was  not  in  the  power  of  Congress  to  make  provis- 
ions otherwise  than  by  calling  upon  the  respec- 
tive states. 

At  no  period  of  the  war,  w^as  there  greater  ef- 
fort necessary  to  maintain  an  army  sufficient  for 

* Two  thousand  head  of  cattle,  4,000  blankets  and  8,000 
pair  of  shoes  and  hose. 


any  decisive  purposes,  which  the  commander  in 
chief  might  have  in  view ; or  a greater  demand 
upon  the  resources  of  the  country.  Washington 
was  resolved  to  attack  the  enemy  in  New  York,  or 
to  bring  all  his  forces  against  those,  who  were  com- 
mitting depredations  in  the  southern  states.  Gen- 
eral Greene  was  in  that  quarter;  but  his  force 
was  not  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  make  a success- 
ful stand  against  the  British.  General  La  Fayette 
had  been  sent  on  with  the  light  troops*  of  the 
American  army  to  oppose  lord  Cornwallis  in  Vir- 
ginia; general  Wayne  was  also  ordered  to  rein- 
force the  latter,  with  some  continental  troops  and 
the  militia  of  Pennsylvania.  Still  Washington  kept 
up  a formidable  force  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York: 
and  probably,  at  one  time,  seriously  intended  to 
make  an  attack  upon  the  island,  then  in  possession 
of  the  British.  He  called  for  large  portions  of 
the  militia  from  the  New  England  states.  Massa- 
chusetts was  required  to  furnish  6,000  for  three 
months.  But  500  which  had  just  before  been 
marched  to  Newport  were  to  constitute  a part  of 
the  number.  An  additional  quantity  of  provisions 
was  furnished  by  Massachusetts,  at  this  time,  and 
"some  ordnance  and  a supply  of  powder  was  sent  on 
to  head-quarters,  at  the  urgent  desire  of  general 
W ashington.  He  collected  a large  army  near  New 
York,  and  the  enemy  expected  an  assault.  This 
had  the  effect  intended.  No  reinforcements  were 
sent  by  the  British  general  in  New  York  to  Corn- 
wallis; and  Washington,  by  forced  marches,  pro- 
ceeded with  a part  of  his  army  to  assist  in  an  at- 
tack upon  the  enemy  at  the  south.  The  French 


* Many  of  these  were  from  Massachusetts. 


209 


naval  and  land  forces  assisted  in  the  capture  of  the 
British  army  in  Virginia.  Several  thousand  French 
troops  under  count  Rocharabeau  joined  the  Ame- 
ricans in  that  quarter,  in  the  month  of  September; 
and  the  fleet  was  so  formidable  as  to  deter  the 
British  admiral  from  approaching  the  coast.  In- 
deed, it  was  not  until  it  was  too  late  for  the  Bri- 
tish commander  at  New  York  to  aflbrd  succour  to 
Cornwallis,  that  he  was  fully  sensible  of  the  ob- 
ject of  general  Washington.  The  British  troops 
in  Virginia  under  Cornwallis  surrendered  to  the  al- 
lied army  under  general  Washington,  on  the  19th 
of  October  178J.  The  French  troops  were  of 
great  importance  in  this  affair ; and  both  oflicers 
and  men  behaved  with  singular  bravery.  Count 
Viomenel,  as  well  as  Rochambeau,  was  distin- 
guished by  the  approbation  of  general  Washing- 
ton ; and  among  the  American  general  oflicers 
who  received  his  particular  commendation,  were 
Lincoln,*  La  Fayette,f  Knox,  and  Wayne.  Colo- 
nel Scammel  of  Massachusetts  received  a mortal 
wound  during  the  siege,  which  he  survived  but  a 
few  days.  His  death  was  greatly  regretted.  He 
was  a brave  and  Judicious  oflicer  ; and  possessed 
in  a high  degree  the  esteem  and  regard  of  the 
whole  army.  For  some  time,  he  acted  as  adju- 
tant general,  and  shared  largely  in  the  confidence 
of  the  commander  in  chief.  He  took  an  early  and 
active  part  in  the  revolution. 

* General  Lincoln  was  soon  after  appointed  secretary  at 
war,  by  Congress. 

t The  marquis  La  Fayette  was  a major  general  in  the  Ame- 
rican line  (not  in  the  French)  and  had  command  of  the  light 
infantry. 

VOL.  Fr. 


27 


210 


This  successful  event  induced  the  British  court 
to  think  of  peace  with  the  United  States.  But 
they  were  not  then  even,  prepared  to  offer  such 
terms  as  America  could  consistently  accept.  Con- 
gress had  determined  not  to  negotiate,  without  an 
acknowledgment  of  the  independence  of  the  Uni- 
ted States ; and  the  assent  also,  on  the  part  of 
France,  to  the  conditions  of  peace.  The  British 
ministry  discovered  no  disposition  to  propose  or  to 
agree  to  such  terms.  They  had  publicly  declared 
their  intention  to  prosecute  the  war, notwithstanding 
their  recent  heavy  loss,  in  the  surrender  of  Corn- 
wallis ; and  it  was  known  in  the  course  of  the  win- 
tver  J782,  that  great  preparations  were  mak- 
ing in  England  for  another  campaign.  It  became 
necessary,  therefore,  for  Congress,  desirous  as  they 
sincerely  were  for  peace,  to  adopt  measures  for 
the  defence  of  the  country.  As  a great  portion  of 
the  troops  employed,  during  the  year  1781,  were 
militia,  and  had  been  discharged  at  the  close  of 
the  year,  they  called  upon  the  several  states  to 
enlist  men  to  complete  the  permanent  regiments, 
or  to  furnish  militia  again  to  reinforce  the  conti- 
nental army.  They  negotiated  loans  in  France 
again  to  a large  amount ; and  in  the  course  of  this 
year,  the  American  envoy  in  Holland  obtained 
loans ; but  a great  part  of  these  sums  was  ap- 
propriated to  discharge  debts  previously  incurred 
in  France  for  goods  and  military  stores,  which  had 
been  taken  up  there  on  the  credit  of  the  United 
States.  The  requisitions  upon  the  states  were 
still  great.  Massachusetts  was  required  to  furnish 
the  sum  of  1,300,000  dollars,  as  her  portion  of 
8,000,000,  the  whole  amount  to  be  raised  by  all 
the  states.  Fifteen  hundred  men  were  also  order- 


211 


ed  to  be  raised  to  complete  the  regiments  in  the 
continental  line.* 

Under  all  these  requisitions,  the  burdens  of  the 
people  must  have  been  exceedingly  heavy.  The 
voice  of  complaint  was  heard  through  the  state  : 
but  it  was  loudest  in  the  country  towns.  A part 
of  the  old  taxes  was  still  unpaid ; and  within  a 
short  period  1,650,000  dollars  were  required  in  ad- 
dition. Depreciated  paper  was  no  longer  current  ; 
and  it  was  necessary  to  collect  a part  of  the  taxes  in 
specie  or  in  bills  of  the  new  emission,  so  called, 
which  were  not  easily  procured,  as  this  emission 
was  comparatively  small.  The  fanners  had  little 
of  surplus  produce  to  spare,  and  they  had  no  other 
resources.  Besides,  the  taxes  had  been  high  for 
six  years ; and  the  bounties  they  had  given  to  in- 
duce men  to  serve  in  the  army  amounted  to  large 
sums.  Some  designing  and  selfish  individuals  took 
advantage  of  these  difficulties,  and  inflamed  the 
minds  of  the  people  to  such  a degree,  that,  in 
the  western  part  of  the  state,  a number  collected 
to  prevent  the  regular  course  of  justice.  They 
endeavoured  to  interrupt  the  business  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  in  the  county  of  Hampshire.  One 
Ely  who  had  been  an  ordained  clergyman  in  the 
state  of  Connecticut,  and  who,  perhaps,  was  as  de- 
ficient in  judgment  as  in  principle,  Avas  the  chief 
agent  in  producing  this  alarming  excitement.  He 
was  taken  into  custody  : but  the  people,  thinking 
he  was  the  sincere  advocate  of  their  rights,  at- 
tempted ito  rescue  him.  They  were  soon  induced, 

* The  towns  were  classed,  and  each  class  was  to  furnish  a 
man,  or  to  pay  the  sum  necessary  to  eng^age  one  for  the  mili- 
tary service. 


212 


however,  to  give  up  their  favourite,  and  to  retire 
quietly  to  their  several  homes.  A committee  of 
the  General  Court  was  sent  into  that  county,  who 
satisfied  the  citizens,  that  their  rulers  were  ready 
to  afford  all  possible  relief  to  them,  and  that  the 
great  amount  of  taxes  was  entirely  owing  to  the 
expenses  of  the  war.*  The  greater  number  of 
the  inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the  state,  however, 
were  the  firm  supporters  of  government,  and  con- 
demned the  proceedings  of  the  deluded  or  design- 
ing men  who  were  the  authors  of  the  riot.  The 
legislature,  soon  after,  ordered  the  treasurer  of  the 
Commonwealth  to  suspend  executions  against  collec- 
tors for  taxes,  for  several  months  ; a proof  of  the 
great  distress  which  prevailed  through  the  state. 

^ In  the  fall  of  1780,  400,000/. ; in  1781,  675,000/,,  and  in 
1782,  400,000/.  ; but  these  taxes  were  payable  in  part  in  de- 
preciated paper. 


> 


213 


CHAPTER  X. 

Prospect  of  peace  . . . Massachusetts  urge  security  of  fisheries  . . . Minis 
ters  so  instructed  ...  National  bank  ...  Supreme  court ...  Illicit  trade 
forbidden  . . . Distresses  of  soldiers  on  their  discharge  . . . Alarming  com- 
bination among  part  of  the  officers  . . . Great  taxes  . . . Relief  for  debtors 
. . . Impost  and  continental  taxes . . . Refugees  . . . General  Court  for 
1783  . . . Members  of  Congress  . . . Peace  . . . Governor  urges  attention  to 
public  credit . . . Slavery  wholly  condemned  . . . Census  . . . Requisitions 
of  Congress  ...  British  debts  ...  Eastern  boundary ...  Governor  Han- 
cock resigns. . . New  excise  . . . Complaints  of  British  importations. 

In  the  early  part  of  1782,  the  war  with  Ame- 
rica becoming  more  unpopular  in  England,  on  ac- 
count of  the  great  expenses  and  the  misfortunes 
which  had  attended  it,  the  ministers  were  obliged 
to  resign  their  places  ; and  others,  more  favoura- 
ble to  peace  with  the  United  States,  were  called 
to  advise  his  Majesty.  In  anticipation  of  such  an 
event.  Congress  had  already  given  authority  to 
their  ambassadors  in  France  and  Holland,  for 
forming  a treaty  of  peace.  Some  general  instruc- 
tions had  been  forwarded  them,  to  guide  their 
negotiations.  The  acknowledgment  of  Indepen- 
dence, was  the  only  absolute  ultimatum,  upon 
which  they  were  to  insist : except  that  they  were 
not  to  make  a treaty,  without  the  king  of  France 
was  a party  to  it.  They  were,  indeed,  further 
instructed  to  contend  strenuously  for  certain  boun- 


214 


darles  of  the  United  States,  which  were  such  as 
the  treaty  afterwards  made,  recognized  ; and  for 
the  common  use  of  the  fishing  grounds,  to  which 
the  inhabitants  formerly  had  access. 

The  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  in  which  the 
people  were  more  generally  engaged  in  the  fishe- 
ries than  in  any  other  state,  knowing  that  Congress 
were  considering  the  terms  of  peace,  and  giving 
directions  to  their  envoys  in  Europe  on  the  sub- 
ject, wrote  their  delegates  to  that  body,  and  ex- 
pressed their  sense  of  the  importance  of  securing 
these  ancient  privileges.  This  letter,  which  was 
WTitten  in  October  1781,  was  referred  to  a com- 
mittee of  Congress,  who  did  not  report  on  the 
subject  until  January  1782.  In  the  report,  they 
did  not  confine  themselves,'  however,  to  the  sub- 
ject of  the  letter  from  the  Massachusetts’  legisla- 
ture ; but  gave  an  opinion  as  to  the  general  instruc- 
tions, which  would  be  proper  to  forward  to  the 
ambassadors  in  Europe,  who  were  authorized  to 
negotiate  a treaty  of  peace.  This  was,  in  sub- 
stance, such  as  had  been  given  them  the  year  be- 
fore. No  treaty  should  be  made,  they  reported, 
'which  did  not,  in  the  very  outset,  recognize  the 
Independence  of  America,  and  in  which  the  French 
government  was  not  included : for  the  treaty  of 
alliance  between  France  and  the  United  States 
provided,  that  neither  power  would  make  a sepa- 
rate peace  with  Great  Britain.  The  report  in- 
deed, went  farther,  and  recommended,  that  no 
other  terms,  than  such  as  the  court  of  France 
might  approve,  should  be  required  by  the  Ame- 
rican envoy;  and  that  the  king  of  France  be  re- 
quested to  secure  for  the  United  States  the  most 
favourable  conditions  he  could  obtain : thus  ac- 


knowledging,  in  effect,  the  foundation  for  a future 
claim  upon  their  gratitude. 

As  to  the  boundaries  of  the  United  States,  they 
were  to  contend,  though  not  as  an  ultimatum^  for 
those  by  which  they  had  been  known  when  colo- 
nies of  Great  Britain.  The  ambassadors  were 
also  to  be  instructed,  according  to  this  report,  “ to 
contend  for  a right  to  the  fisheries  on  the  banks 
of  Newfoundland,  and  in  the  North  American  seas.” 
But  this  was  not  to  be  insisted  on  as  an  ultimatum. 
Nor  did  the  report  even  propose,  that  a right 
should  be  claimed  to  fish  on  the  coast  of  the  Bri- 
tish territory,  or  within  three  leagues,  the  dis- 
tance, to  which  all  nations  claimed  the  exclusive 
jurisdiction,  according  to  international  law.  It 
went  into  the  enquiry,  what  that  distance  was,  as 
recognized  by  the  general  consent  of  the  civilized 
nations  of  Europe : by  which  it  appeared,  that  in 
some  cases  it  was  considered  to  be  three  leagues, 
and  in  others,  fourteen  miles:  and  that  it  depend- 
ed upon  particular  provisions  of  a treaty,  if  any 
greater  privilege  was  allowed.  This  report  was 
also  committed,  and  in  August  1782,  it  was  offer- 
ed again  and  accepted,  with  some  verbal  altera- 
tions. 

By  the  statement  made  and  the  reasoning  used 
in  this  report,  it  does  not  appear,  that  Congress 
considered  the  claim  to  tiie  fisheries,  even  on  the 
high  seas,  of  so  indisputable  and  rightful  a charac- 
ter, as  that  of  Independence.  The  arguments  used, 
how^ever,  and  the  usage  of  nations,  as  to  a com- 
mon right  on  the  ocean,  justified  them  in  contend- 
ing most  strenuously  for  it ; and  in  instructing  their 
ambassadors  not  to  consent  to  an  abandonment  of 
such  right  or  claim,  except  that  peace  could  not 


216 


otherwise  be  obtained.  There  was,  probably,  no 
necessity  for  such  particular  instructions  respect- 
ing a right  to  fish  “ on  the  banks  of  Newfoundland 
and  in  the  North  American  seas.”  For  the  Bri- 
tish, monopolizing  and  exclusive  as  their  spirit  was, 
did  not,  from  any  thing  Avhich  appeared,  ever  medi- 
tate to  exclude  the  people  of  the  United  States 
from  fishing,  any  more  than  sailing,  upon  the  high 
seas.  This  claim,  or  this  right,  then,  was  secured 
by  our  envoys,  without  much  difficulty.  But  the 
privilege  of  taking  and  curing  fish  near  and  on 
some  of  the  British  coasts,  which  they  obtained 
by  the  treaty  of  1783,  was  an  important  one, 
especially  to  Massachusetts;  and  was  proof  of 
great  ability  and  of  devotion  to  the  interests  of 
the  country,  in  the  American  ambassadors. 

In  May  1781,  Congress  authorised  the  establish- 
ment of  a national  bank  at  Philadelphia,  agreea- 
bly to  a plan  proposed  by  Mr.  Morris,  who  was 
then  superintendant  of  finance.  The  legislature 
of  Massachusetts  passed  a law  in  March  1782, 
for  the  purpose  of  giving  currency  to  the  bills  is- 
sued by  that  bank  within  the  state,  authorizing 
the  treasurer  and  others  to  receive  them  for  pay- 
ment of  the  debt  of  the  state,  and  subjecting 
those  to  severe  punishment  who  should  counter- 
feit them.  The  first  bank  in  Massachusetts  was 
established  in  1784.  The  charter  had  no  limita- 
tion, as  to  the  period  of  its  continuance.  For 
several  years  it  was  the  only  banking  company  in  the 
state;  and  the  profits  which  it  yielded  to  the  pro- 
prietors were  very  great. 

The  constitution  of  Massachusetts  adopted  in 
October  1780,  provided  that  the  highest  judicial 
tribunal  in  the  state  should  be  denominated  the 


217 


Supreme  Judicial  Court.  In  July  1782,  a court 
with  this  title  was  established  by  law.  The  legis- 
lature had  sometime  before  enacted,  that  the 
judges  of  the  superior  court  of  judicature,  the 
name  formerly  given  to  the  highest  judicial  court 
in  the  Commonwealth,  should  exercise  the  powers 
given  by  the  constitution  to  the  supreme  judicial 
court.* 

From  a disposition  hostile  to  the  Independence 
of  America,  or,  more  probably,  from  the  hope  of 
gain,  many  citizens  of  the  United  States  engaged 
in  illicit  trade  to  the  territories  of  the  enemy. 
Those  whose  ruling  passion  was  the  love  of  gain 
were  tempted  to  this  intercourse,  as  the  profits 
were  then  very  great,  on  account  of  the  scarcity 
of  British  goods  in  the  country.  Congress  con- 
sidered this  conduct  highly  unjustifiable,  in  the  ex- 
isting state  of  the  two  countries ; and  they  object- 
ed to  it,  also,  because  it  drained  the  United  States 
of  specie,  which  was  the  only  article  given  in  ex- 
change for  English  goods.  The  legislatures  of 
the  several  states  were  desired  to  prohibit  all  such 
intercourse.  The  general  assembly  of  Massachu- 
setts readily  co-operated  in  this  object,  by  passing 
a law  to  prevent  all  trade  to  the  British  colonies 
or  with  British  subjects  : and  the  citizens  of  Bos- 
ton entered  into  an  agreement  to  prosecute  all 
who  should  be  discovered  engaged  in  such  illicit 
intercourse.  The  General  Court,  also,  responding 
to  the  public  declaration  of  Congress,  expressed 
its  disapprobation  of  the  insidious  designs  of  the 
British  ministry,  in  its  attempts  to  negotiate  with 

* The  judges,  at  this  time,  were  Cushing,  Sargeant,  Sulli- 
van, Sewall  : and  R.  T.  Payne  was  attorney-general. 

VOL.  IL  28 


2J8 


the  United  States  separately  from  France  : and 
gave  a decided  opinion,  that  peace  should  not  be 
made,  desirous  as  they  were  of  such  an  event, 
without  a recognition  of  American  Independence^ 
and  on  such  terms  as  should  be  acceptable  also  to 
the  court  of  France.  Propositions  had  then  re- 
cently been  made  to  Congress  for  peace,  by  sir 
Guy  Carleton,  the  British  commander  at  New 
York,  in  which  no  notice  was  taken  of  the  exist- 
ing treaty  between  France  and  America.  This 
Avas  justly  considered  as  inadmissible  by  Congress 
and  by  the  people  of  the  United  States.  And  it 
appeared  afterwards,  that  an  attempt  was  made 
by  the  British  to  form  a separate  treaty  with  the 
French  government. 

Though  Massachusetts  was  not  again  required 
to  furnish  men  for  the  army,  it  had  a great  debt 
to  discharge,  and  many  of  the  soldiers  were  re- 
turning to  their  families  and  their  homes,  wholly 
destitute  of  the  means  of  subsistence,  for  whom 
the  state  was  bound,  both  by  justice  and  gratitude, 
to  provide.  The  amount  owing  to  the  officers 
and  men  belonging  to  Massachusetts  was  such  as 
Avould  require  many  years  to  discharge.  The 
greatest  efforts  were  made  by  the  legislature  to  pay 
them  a small  part  of  their  wages.  For  the  greater 
part,  they  were  paid  in  notes,  which,  on  account 
of  the  immense  debt  of  the  state,  soon  became 
so  depreciated  as  to  be  sold  for  an  eighth  of  the 
nominal  value.  The  war  worn  soldier,  who  had 
devoted  many  years  to  the  cause  of  liberty  and 
independence,  was  obliged  to  part  with  his  re- 
ward, which  should  have  cheered  the  residue  of 
his  years,  for  immediate  support.  But  it  was  be- 
lieved, that  the  defenders  of  the  country  Avould 


never  be  neglected  by  a grateful  and  generous 
people.  , 

In  the  beginning  of  1783,  when  peace  was  an- 
nounced, and  the  army  was  about  to  be  disbanded, 
an  alarming  spirit  of  discontent  was  manifested, 
which,  for  a short  time,  threatened  both  the  tran- 
quillity and  liberty  of  the  nation.  There  appear- 
ed an  indisposition  in  some  members  of  Congress 
to  fulfil  all  the  promises  which  had  been  made 
to  the  officers  and  soldiers, . to  the  full  extent,  to 
which  the  latter  were  ready  to  interpret  them. 
The  half  pay  for  life,  which,  at  one  period,  was 
promised,  was  afterwards  declined  by  Congress, 
because  some  of  the  states  objected  to  such  a 
compensation.*  This  difficulty  was  finally  adjust- 
ed, by  engaging  to  pay  them  the  amount  of  full 
wages  for  five  years.  The  officers  assented  to 
the  alteration;  for  they  had  learned  that  the 
establishment  of  half  pay  for  life  was  very  ob- 
noxious to  a great  portion  of  their  fellow  citizens. 
And  they  were  too  patriotic  to  insist  even  on  a 
just  claim,  at  the  hazard  of  the  public  tranquillity. 

Congress  was  able  to  pay  only  a very  small  part 
of  the  wages  due,  which  were  so  much  needed ; 
and  the  officers  and  soldiers  were  expecting  to  be 
dismissed  from  the  service  of  the  country,  entirely 
destitute  ; and  to  be  thrown  upon  the  justice  or 
pity,  as  some  of  them  said,  of  the  several  legisla- 
tures ; the  measure  of  which  they  also  were  to 
decide.  All  professed  to  be  desirous  of  having 

* Many  in  Massachusetts  even  opposed  both  to  the  half  pay 
and  to  five  years  full  pay  to  the  officers.  They  said  it  would 
render  the  officers  rich  and  insolent ; that  the  taxes  were  al- 
ready very  oppressive,  and  that  the  people  were  generally 
dissatisfied  with  it. 


220 


justice  done,  or  guaranteed  them  by  Congress ; 
but  many  were  aware  of  the  present  inability  of 
government,  and  considered  it  a solemn  duty  to 
acquiesce  in  its  decisions.  Others  were  less  con- 
siderate, or  more  selfish ; and  endeavoured  to  pre- 
vail with  their  companions  to  adopt  a resolution, 
not  to  separate  or  lay  down  their  arms,  until  their 
demands  and  wishes  were  fully  complied  with. 
A combination  was  projected,  of  a very  dangerous 
character,  which  threatened  to  subject  the  country 
to  a military  despotism.  The  principal  authors  of 
this  nefarious  project  were  unknown ; but  they 
were  justly  obnoxious  to  the  censure  and  indigna- 
tion of  a virtuous  people.  General  Washington, 
and  other  officers  of  high  rank,*  expressed  strong 
disapprobation  of  this  daring  plan;  and  gave  them- 
selves no  rest  until  it  was  wholly  abandoned.  But 
the  spirit  had  taken  such  deep  hold  of  the  army, 
that  it  required  all  their  influence  and  exertions  to 
suppress  the  combination. 

In  the  course  of  the  year,  (1783)  the  troops 
were  disbanded,  and  retired  quietly  to  their  re- 
spective homes.  General  Washington  previously 
addressed  them  in  a solemn  and  affectionate  man- 
ner ; and  while  he  acknowledged  their  past  ser- 
vices, he  exhorted  them  to  demean  themselves  as 
obedient  and  useful  citizens.  When  he  took  his 
final  leave  of  the  officers,  he  was  much  affected ; 
and  they  also  were  deeply  penetrated  by  mingled 
sentiments  of  regret  and  esteem  ; which  render- 
ed the  parting  interview  most  pathetic  and  in- 
teresting. 

^ General  Knox,  and  colonel  Brooks  of  Massachusetts  were 
among  those  who  exerted  themselves  to  suppress  this  dan- 
gerous conspiracy. 


221 


The  taxes  had  been  so  great  for  several  years, 
and  the  public  demands  so  urgent,  that  many  indivi- 
dual debts  had  been  neglected.  Great  indulgence 
had  been  generally  granted  ; but  creditors  at  length 
began  to  call  in  earnest  for  their  dues.  Where 
small  sums  were  to  be  collected,  the  costs  amount- 
ed almost  to  the  original  debt.  This  became  a 
subject  of  great  complaint  among  the  common 
people  : and  a law  was  made  for  the  purpose  of 
affording  them  relief,  by  authorizing  justices  of 
the  peace  to  take  acknowledgment  of  debts;  and 
if  the  same  were  not  paid  within  a stated  period, 
to  compel  payment  by  execution.  The  usual  costs 
of  Court  were  thus  avoided ; but  in  some  instances 
there  was  cause  of  complaint  on  the  part  of  the 
creditor,  that  too  much  indulgence  was  granted 
by  the  magistrates,  or  that  he  suffered  through 
their  ignorance  of  the  common  forms  and  principles 
of  law. 

A tax  of  200,000/.  was  laid  early  in  the  year 
(1782)  but  the  collection  was  long  delayed,  and 
the  wants  of  the  army  being  very  pressing,  the 
legislature  was  obliged  to  borrow  large  sums,  and 
to  pledge  the  tax  for  the  payment.  In  addition 
to  the  pay  of  the  militia  who  were  employed 
during  the  preceding  year,  and  the  interest  due  to 
those  who  had  loaned  their  money  to  the  public, 
the  General  Court  had  to  provide  for  paying 
balance^,  to  a lari^e  amount,  to  the  continental 
soldiers  belonging  to  the  State.  It  was  bound  to 
pay  them  the  real  value  of  their  wages  ; and  for 
two  or  three  years,  the  depreciation  of  continental 
paper,  in  which  they  were  paid,  was  very  great: 
for  the  whole  of  their  wages  also,  at  one  period, 
the  State  had  to  provide  ; though  the  sum  thus 


222 


advanced  was  to  be  passed  to  its  credit,  in  a final 
adjustment  with  the  continent.  For  1783,  the 
public  tax  was  the  same  as  the  preceding  year ; 
and  new  loans  were  obtained,  by  prevailing  on 
those  public  creditors  who  were  entitled  to  a part 
of  the  principal  due  them  by  the  State,  to  receive 
new  paper  instead  of  specie.  Had  the  creditors 
of  the  Commonwealth  insisted  upon  payment  when 
it  was  due,  it  would  have  been  possible  to  comply 
with  their  demands,  only  by  resorting  to  new  loans 
to  a great  amount.  Even  the  soldiers,  destitute 
as  they  were,  could  only  obtain  a small  part  of 
their  wages  in  cash ; and  notes  were  given  them, 
payable  at  different  periods.  Those  who  retained 
their  certificates  for  several  years,  were  fully 
paid ; but  many  were  necessitated  to  throw  them 
into  the  market,  by  which  they  suffered  extreme- 
ly. During  this  year,  the  act  was  passed  for 
raising  money  by  impost,  and  it  afforded  great 
facility  in  discharging  the  demands  upon  the  public 
treasury.  The  amount  collected  through  the  Unit- 
ed States  was  little  short  of  a million  annually,  for 
several  years.  In  compliance  with  a requisition 
of  Congress,  in  the  month  of  May,  the  General 
Court  caused  large  sums  to  be  remitted  to  the 
continental  Financier,  to  enable  him  to  pay  the 
officers  and  soldiers  then  about  to  be  disbanded, 
a part  of  their  wages,  which  had  been  expressly 
promised  them. 

Some  of  those  native  Americans,  who  had  joined 
the  enemy  when  the  war  began,  or  afterwards, 
when  the  British  army  was  most  successful,  pro- 
posed to  return  to  the  State  at  this  time.  The 
return  of  such  characters  was  prohibited  by  a law 
of  the  General  Court  in  1778.  There  appeared 


223 


a disposition  to  disregard  or  to  evade  the  law  of 
the  State  ; and  some  individuals  of  this  description, 
perhaps,’  might  have  been  permitted  to  return 
and  reside  in  the  United  States,  without  any  dan- 
ger to  the  public  tranquillity.  But  it  was  found 
difficult  to  discriminate.  At  a subsequent  period, 
however,  some  of  those  who  had  not  been  active 
against  America  were  granted  liberty  to  come 
into  the  State  ; and  were  justly  esteemed  as  honest 
and  useful  citizens.  The  families  of  even  those 
Avho  were  justly  obnoxious  to  the  patriots  of 
Massachusetts,  if  they  remained  in  the  country, 
were  treated  with  great  indulgence,  and  allowed 
a reasonable  part  of  the  estate  which  belonged  to 
their  absent  head. 

It  was  stated  by  Congress,  that  the  necessary 
expenses  for  1783,  including  interest  and  instal- 
ments on  the  public  debt,  would  amount  to  six 
millions  of  dollars ; four  of  which  were  to  be  bor- 
rowed in  Europe,  and  two  to  be  I’aised  by  the 
States.  The  proportion  required  of  Massachusetts 
was  320,000.  This  sum  was  to  be  paid  quarterly, 
and  charged  to  the  account  of  the  United  States. 
In  the  course  of  this  year.  Congress  also  recom- 
mended to  the  several  States,  to  provide  for  raising 
their  respective  quotas  of  a million  and  half  of  dol- 
lars annually,  for  twenty-five  years ; the  part  as- 
signed for  Massachusetts,  amounted  to  224,000. 

Mr.  Hancock  was  elected  governor,  and  Mr. 
Cushing  lieutenant-governor,  (1783)  for  the  fourth 
time,  with  great  unanimity.  Mr.  S.  Adams  was 
again  chosen  president  of  the  Senate,  and  Mr.  T. 
Dalton,  speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
The  delegates  in  Congress  from  Massachusetts, 
Avere  Mr.  Gerry,  Holten,  Partridge,  Higglnson, 


224 


Gorham,  and  Osgood,  Two  of  the  ministers  of 
the  United  States  at  f<;)reign  courts,  at  this  period, 
were  citizens  of  Massachusetts.  John  Adams  had 
been  five  years  in  that  capacity  ; and  with  Frank- 
lin, Jay,  and  Laurens,  was  specially  empowered  to 
make  peace  with  Great  Britain,  agreeably  to 
instructions  given  by  Congress.  Francis  Dana  was 
appointed  minister  to  Russia  in  1779,  and  returned 
to  America  towards  the  close  of  1783.  The  next 
year,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  delegates  to  Con- 
gress, with  Messrs.  Gerry,  Partridge,  and  Osgood ; 
and  in  1785,  appointed  a Judge  of  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court. 

The  intelligence  of  peace  was  received  with  the 
greatest  joy  by  all  classes  of  people.  The  preli- 
minaries were  agreed  to  early  in  1783;  but  the 
definitive  treaty  was  not  signed  till  the  3d  of  Sep- 
-tember.  It  secured  to  the  United  States  the  rich 
blessings  of  liberty  and  independence,  for  which 
they  had  maintained  an  arduous  struggle  during 
eight  years.  A great  debt,  indeed,  was  accumu- 
lated by  the  war;  but,  by  the  truly  patriotic  citi- 
zens, this  was  considered  a price  for  civil  freedom, 
which  they  were  most  willing  to  pay.  The  short- 
sighted complained,  because  of  the  immediate  sa- 
crifices it  required  of  them  : but  the  more  intelli- 
gent were  satisfied  of  the  abundant  resources  of 
the  country,  and  perceived  the  high  destiny  which 
awraited  it.  The  great  majority  of  people,  even 
in  the  United  States,  where  the  means  of  educa- 
tion are  provided  for  all,  are  generally  governed 
by  their  feelings  rather  than  by  reason  ; and  are 
influenced  in  their  opinions,  by  immediate  calamity 
or  prosperity,  more  than  by  the  prospect  of  great 
but  distant  good.  The  burden  of  taxes  was  too 


225 


heavy  to  be  endured  without  complaint,  except  by 
the  virtuous  and  considerate  part  of  the  communi- 
ty : and  envy  had  some  influence  in  adding  to  the 
general  discontent.  It  was  pretended,  that  the 
officers  of  the  army,  especially  if  they  should  re- 
ceive half  pay  for  life,  or  full  wages  for  five  years, 
after  they  had  left  the  public  service,  would  have 
a greater  allowance  than  they  could  justly  claim  ; 
and  that  they  would  therefore  probably  consider 
themselves  of  a higher  grade  in  society  than  their 
fellow  citizens.  It  was  also  said,  that  if  the  offi- 
cers of  the  army  had  ably  served  the  country  and 
suffered  much  in  its  defence,  the  people  who  re- 
mained at  home  had  been  obliged  to  make  great 
efforts  to  procure  and  pay  men  at  various  periods 
of  the  war.  The  argument  w^as  more  specious 
than  solid.  For  most  of  the  officers  had  left  their 
regular  occupations  in  life  ; and  it  was  difficult  to 
resume  them.  And  they,  more  than  any  other 
class  of  people,  suffered  by  the  depreciation  of  the 
public  paper. 

The  governor,  in  his  public  address  to  the  Ge- 
neral Court,  in  October,  the  first  session  after  the 
peace,  felicitated  the  members  on  the  auspicious 
event,  and  reminded  them  of  the  great  obligations 
the  country  was  under  to  provide  for  a just  and 
full  compensation  to  those  who  had  been  engaged 
in  the  war  of  the  revolution.  Their  meritorious 
services,  he  said,  should  never  be  forgotten.  He 
also  advised  to  immediate  and  effectual  measures 
to  maintain  the  public  credit  and  to  satisfy  the  de- 
mands upon  the  state.  A tax  of  140,000/.  was 
soon  after  assessed  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  Massa- 
chusetts, for  the  sole  purpose  of  paying  that  part 
of  the  notes  formerly  given  to  the  officers  and  sol- 

voL.  II.  29 


226 


diers  of  the  revolutionary  army,*  which  were  then 
due. 

The  legislature,  at  a succeeding  session  instruct- 
ed their  delegates  to  obtain  a resolve  of  Congress 
for  settling  the  accounts  of  the  state,  for  expenses 
incurred  during  the  war.  It  was  confidently  be- 
lieved, that  Massachusetts  had  made  greater  ad- 
vances towards  the  general  expenses  than  its  just 
share  : and,  at  a later  day,  when  an  adjustment  was 
made,  it  appeared  that  the  opinion  was  not  unfound- 
ed. The  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  also  pro- 
' posed,  that  Congress  should  have  power  granted 
to  it  by  the  several  states,  to  make  laws  for  the  gene- 
ral regulation  of  foreign  commerce.  Some  of  the 
states  still  omitted  to  pass  a law  for  raising  a reve- 
nue by  duties  on  goods  imported  into  the  countrv 
as  recommended.  This  led  to  an  evasion  of  the 
laws  for  that  purpose,  in  the  states  adjoining.  Du- 
ring this  political  year  a resolution  was  adopted  by 
the  legislature  expressing  an  opinion  of  the  impro- 
priety of  the  appointment  by  Congress,  of  any  of 
its  members  to  lucrative  offices  ; several  instances 
had  occured,  and  was  considered  contrary  to  the 
principles  of  a republican  government. 

A judgment  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  in 
the  course  of  this  year,  given  in  the  county  of 
Worcester,  was  a final  decision  unfavourable  to  the 
existence  of  slavery  in  Massachusetts.  The  case 
originated  some  time  before,  and  was  occasioned 
by  a citizen  beating  and  imprisoning  his  negro  ser- 
vant, whom  he  considered  a slave.  Public  opinion 
had,  indeed,  been  long  decidedly  against  the  prac- 

^ The  pay  of  the  representatives  for  sessions  amounted 
only  to  11,000/. 


227 


lice  of  holding  any  human  being  in  involuntary  sla- 
very. The  odious  and  highly  criminal  tralific  of 
human  beings  was  never  allowed  in  Massachusetts. 
A few  years  after  the  first  settlement  of  New  En- 
gland, the  court  ordered  two  Africans  brought  into 
the  colony  by  the  captain  of  a vessel,  with  the  in- 
tention of  being  sold  for  slaves,  and  supposed  to 
liave  been  kidnapped  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  to  be 
sent  back  to  their  own  country.  Many  however 
were  holden  in  bondage  within  the  province,  till 
the  revolution.  The  inconsistency  of  such  a prac- 
tice with  the  theory  and  the  claims  of  tlie  Ameri- 
cans was  very  apparent ; and  generally  those  ne- 
groes who  wished  for  freedom  were  granted  the 
indulgence  by  their  masters.  The  first  article  in 
the  declaration  of  rights,  which  is  a jiart  of  the 
constitution  of  the  state,  adopted  in  1780,  acknow- 
ledges “ that  all  men  are  born  free  and  equal.” 
This  was  inserted,  no  doubt,  as  a general  axiom, 
But  it  was  also  said,  at  the  time,  that  thei  e was  a 
reference  to  the  condition  of  the  Africans,  which 
had  been  held  in  slavery  in  Massachusetts,  and  was 
still  advocated  in  some  other  parts  of  the  country, 
by  the  plea  of  necessity.  The  man  who  claimed 
to  own  the  slave  and  pleaded  a right  to  beat  and 
imprison  him,  was  adjudged  guilty  of  an  assault, 
and  sentenced  to  pay  a fine  of  forty  shillings. 

In  the  spring  of  1784,  the  General  court  order- 
ed that  the  number  of  people  should  be  ascertain- 
ed ; and  the  return  gave  only  358,000.  When  a 
census  was  taken  eight  years  before,  it  appeared 
there  were  349,000.  But  there  was  a great  ob- 
jection to  the  measure  at  the  latter  period,  and 
many  omissions  in  the  returns  at  the  former:  an 
opinion  prevailed  that  the  number  was  much  great- 


228 


er  at  both  periods."^  The  small  increase  for  these 
elpjht  years  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact,  that 
some  removed  from  the  state  during  that  period, 
to  Vermont  and  New  York;  and  that  great  num- 
bers perished  in  the  field,  in  camp  and  in  pri- 
sons. Eight  or  nine  thousand  were  lost  to  the  state 
in  these  different  ways.  A great  portion  of  these 
died  in  confinement  when  prisoners  of  war.  The 
charge  was  repeatedly  made,  and  probably  with 
some  truth,  that  the  American  soldiers  and  sea- 
men, when  taken  by  the  British,  were  not  treated 
with  that  attention  and  humanity,  which  might 
have  been  expected  from  a civilized  and  Christian 
nation.  In  the  prison  ships  at  New  York,  great 
numbers  died  through  gross  inattention. 

In  April  1784,  Congress  called  upon  the  states 
to  furnish  five  millions  and  an  half  of  dollars,  to 
meet  demands  against  the  continent,  and  necessary 
to  be  discharged  in  the  course  of  the  year:  but  a 
great  part  of  this  sum  would  be  furnished  by  pay- 
ment of  the  arrears  of  three  preceding  years.  Its 
requisitions  for  the  three  years  were  twelve  millions 
of  dollars;  and  the  amount  required  of  Massachu- 
setts was  1,800,000.  The  state  was  still  in  arrears 
for  this  sum,  730,500  dollars.  No  additional  di- 
rect tax  for  the  continent,  therefore,  was  required 
this  year  ; but  the  amount  of  what  was  already 
due,  besides  the  impostt  and  an  appropriation  by 
the  state  for  the  payment  of  a part  of  the  wages, 
which  had  been  before  promised  the  soldiers,  con- 
stituted a large  sum,  which  it  w^as  exceedingly  diffi- 

* It  was  supposed  the  whole  number  was  at  least  400,000. 

t The  imposts  collected  for  Suffolk  for  the  year  1784,  was 
^27,000  : for  the  whole  state  ^57,000. 


229 


cult  to  raise.  Many  of  the  soldiers,  discharged  the 
preceding  year,  received  notes  payable  in  a few 
months,  as  there  were  no  funds  to  pay  them  at  the 
time,  which  now  become  due ; Congress  was  un- 
able to  obtain  any  new  loans  in  Europe,  this  year, 
(indeed,  the  French  minister  informed  Dr.  Frank- 
lin that  the  interest  and  a part  of  the  principal  of 
the  debt  due  to  his  nation  would  be  expected)  and 
a new  requisition  was  confidentially  made  to  the 
several  states  for  the  sum  of  636,000  dollars  to 
satisfy  immediate  demands,  the  share  of  which  for 
Massachusetts  to  furnish  was  95,000.  There  was 
an  unwillingness  to  have  the  great  necessities  of 
the  country  publicly  known. 

The  General  Court  appointed  a committee  to 
state  the  accounts  of  the  Commonwealth  for  ex- 
penses incurred  in  defence  of  the  country  during 
the  war,  and  to  prepare  for  a settlement  with 
agents  to  be  chosen  by  Congress.  An  application 
was  made  to  that  body  for  such  an  adjustment. 
They  requested  an  allowance  also  for  the  expenses 
attending  the  expedition  against  the  British  at  Pe- 
nobscot ; which,  though  projected  by  Massachu- 
setts, was  designed  for  the  general  welfare,  and 
was  undertaken  with  the  knowledge  of  Congress. 
At  the  same  time,  the  delegates  were  instructed 
to  have  provision  made  for  an  allowance  to  the 
state,  on  account  of  the  bounties  it  had  given  men 
to  enlist  in  the  continental  army ; and  for  an  in- 
demnification to  those  citizens  of  M issachusetts 
who  held  the  depreciated  paper  of  the  continent, 
and  by  which  they  must  suffer,  except  Congress 
should  allow  them  some  compensation.  When  a 
recommendation  was  made  to  the  states  two  years 
before,  to  call  in  their  respective  quotas  of  the 


230 


bills  of  the  old  emission,  Massachusetts  collected 
its  full  portion.  It  could  not  receive  any  more, 
but  at  its  own  loss,  as  there  was  no  resolve  of  Con- 
gress to  redeem  them.  Those  individuals,  there- 
fore, who  were  in  possession  of  such  bills,  were 
believed  to  have  a fair  claim  upon  the  continental 
government. 

At  a subsequent  session  of  this  political  year, 
while  Congress  were  considering  the  subject  of  a 
permanent  military*  establishment,  the  two  houses 
ordered  letters  to  be  written  to  their  delegates,  to 
oppose  any  plan  which  should  provide  for  main- 
taining a large  force.  They  were  opposed,  from 
principle,  to  a standing  army  in  time  of  peace;  and 
the  consideration  of  the  expense  furnished  a pow- 
erful objection.  But  Congress  did  not  consider  it 
proper  to  disband  all  the  troops ; for  the  British 
had  not  given  up  the  posts  on  the  northern  and 
western  frontiers  ; and  the  Indians  in  some  places, 
still  discovered  a hostile  disposition. 

The  legislature  likewise  passed  a resolve,  in 
which  they  expressed  an  opinion,  that  interest 
ought  not  to  be  recovered  on  British  debts,  the 
validity  of  which  the  treaty  had  acknowledged, 
during  the  period  of  the  war.  They  considered 
it  unreasonable  that  interest  should  be  required 
while  the  two  countries  were  engaged  in  hostili- 
ties : and  their  feelings,  probably,  had  some  in- 
fluence in  the  opinion  they  formed  on  the  subject, 
as  many  demands  were  made  by  those  who  had  de- 
serted the  countrv,  when  their  aid  and  their  services 
were  necessary  for  its  Avelfare.  The  property  of 

* The  number  proposed  was  four  regiments  of  infantry, 
one  of  artillery,  and  one  of  engineers. 


231 


such  persons  had  been  declared  forfeited  to  the 
state  ; and  their  credits  were  justly  liable  to  the 
same  disposition.  There  was  less  objection  to 
paying  the  debts  due  to  British  merchants,  con- 
tracted before  the  revolution;  but  it  was  contend- 
ed that  these  even  should  not  receive  the  usual 
interest  during  the  time,  when  all  connexion  was 
suspended  between  the  two  countries. 

The  treaty  of  peace  with  Great  Britain  provid- 
ed, ‘‘  that  there  should  be  no  further  confiscation 
of  the  estates  of  those  Americans  who  adhered  to 
the  English  government  in  the  revolution  : — that 
creditors  on  both  sides  shouljd  recover  their  bona 
fide  debts — and  that  Congress  recommend  to  the 
respective  states  to  restore  the  property  of  all 
British  subjects,  living  in  the  other  provinces  of 
Britain,  or  who  had  not  borne  arms  against  the 
United  States.  The  legislature  of  Massachusetts 
did  not  immediately  comply  with  all  these  pro- 
positions. A law  was  passed  in  1784,  in  which, 
assuming  and  declaring  its  rights  as  a sovereign 
state,  and  consequently  its  authority  to  forbid  the 
residence  of  aliens,  and  to  decide  what  conduct 
would  be  proper  for  the  state  to  pursue  towards 
all  such,  it  was  enacted  that  those  who  had  fled 
to  the  British  for  protection  in  the  revolution 
were  to  be  considered  and  treated  as  aliens,  and 
not  intltled  to  claim  and  receive  any  estate  or  pro- 
perty left  within  the  state;  that  no  property 
confiscated  would  be  restored  ; that  the  credits, 
as  well  as  the  real  estate  of  the  absentees,  belong- 
ed to  the  Commonwealth  ; and  that  they  would 
not  be  permitted  to  return  to  the  country.  They 
also  provided  by  law  for  the  judicial  court  to  sus- 
pend judgment  on  actions  brought  by  anv  British 


232 


subjects  until  further  directions  from  the  legisla- 
ture, as  they  were  of  opinion  the  interest  during 
the  time  of  the  war  ought  not  to  be  recovered. 
This,  perhaps,  was  an  improper  interference,  on 
the  part  of  the  legislature,  with  the  powers  and 
duty  of  the  judiciary.  Congress  afterwards  de- 
clared, that  the  treaty  ratified  by  that  body,  was 
binding  in  all  its  parts  upon  the  several  states,  and 
enjoined  a repeal  of  any  laws  repugnant  to  its 
stipulations.  Massachusetts  soon  after  passed  a 
bill  repealing  all  laws  of  the  state  which  were 
contrary  to,  and  inconsistent  with,  the  articles  of 
the  treaty  with  England.  The  legislature  had 
before  ordered,  that  no  further  confiscations  should 
be  made,  and  allowed  absentees  of  a certain  des- 
cription, and  who  had  not  actually  aided  the  Bri- 
tish in  the  war,  to  return  and  reside  for  a limited 
time,  with  the  particular  consent  of  the  supreme 
executive  of  the  state. 

The  General  Court  also  passed  a law  in  1784, 
to  excuse  a debtor  from  paying  interest  on  money, 
of  which  he  had  tendered  payment  before  the 
first  of  January  1777.  Many  persons  refused  to 
receive  the  paper  in  circulation,  at  an  early  day, 
even  before  it  had  depreciated ; and  it  was  deem- 
ed just  by  the  legislature,  that  they  should  lose 
the  interest  afterwards.  But  many  supposed  the 
law  was  not  sanctioned  by  the  constitution. 

Towards  the  close  of  this  year,  a representa- 
tion was  made  to  the  governor,  that  the  British 
were  making  encroachments  on  the  eastern  part 
of  the  state  adjoining  to  Nova  Scotia.  This  might 
have  been  done  without  a design  to  trespass  upon 
the  American  territory ; for  it  was  a question, 
which  was  the  true  river  St.  Croix,  intended  in 


233 


the  triBaty,  as  the  boundary  between  the  British 
tjerritory,  and  the  United  States,  there  being  two, 
to  which  that  name  had  been  formerly  applied.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  enquire  as  to  the 
facts,  both  of  the  encroachments  and  of  the  true 
boundary;  and  application  was  made  to  Congress 
for  their  advice  oh  the  subject.  The  next  year, 
a report  was  made  by  the  committee  stating  the 
un.certainty  of  the  boundary  line,  and  the  proba- 
bility that  the  encroachments  were  not  made  from 
a hostile  disposition.  Commissioners  were  soon 
after  appointed  by  Congress,  and  the  bounds  were 
amicably  fixed. 

During  the  winter  session  of  the  legislature  in 
1785,  governor  Hancock  resigned  the  office  of 
chief  magistrate,  giving  as  the  reason  the  very  in- 
firm state  of  his  health.  His  constitution  was 
never  apparently  very  firm  ; and  ten  years  of  un- 
remitting public  service,  under  circumstances  of 
great  anxiety  and  responsibility,  had  rendered  him 
extremely  feeble.  He  needed  repose  from  politi- 
cal .duties  and  cares,  and  there  were  some  of  his 
fellow  citizens  who  complained  of  his  administra- 
tion. It  was  a period  of  great  discontent  among 
the  people  of  Massachusetts,  on  account  of  the 
extreme  burden  of  the  public  taxes.  Many  were 
of  opinion,  the  evil  might  have  been  lessened  by 
more  efficient  measures  for  collecting  the  taxes 
within  the  year  in  which  they  were  laid.  But 
they  had  been  suffered  to  accumulate  for  several 
years ; and  the  successor  of  Mr.  Hancock  was 
subjected  to  more  than  ordinary  difficulties  in  his 
administration  on  this  account. 

The  patriotism  of  Mr.  Hancock  was  never 
doubted;,  nor  were  his  talents  or  fidelity  even 

VOL.  II.  30 


234 


called  in  question : but  he  was  deficient,  perhaps, 
in  that  uniformity  and  firmness,  which  are  highly 
important  in  a chief  magistrate.  In  a public 
officer,  however,  popularity  is  no  certain  proof  of 
ability  or  honesty  of  purpose  : and  opposition  is 
sometimes  made  to  the  most  upright  administra- 
tion. In  their  address  to  Mr.  Hancock,  in  reply 
to  his  communication  resigning  his  office,  the 
General  Court  regretted  both  the  event  and  the 
occasion  of  it ; and  expressed  a high  sense  of  his 
patriotic  and  useful  services  to  the  country.* 
Lieutenant  governor  Cushing  filled  the  chair  the 
residue  of  the  political  year. 

At  this  session,  an  additional  excise  act  was 
passed,  “ on  paper,  parchment  and  vellum,”  on 
which  a fee  was  required  for  deeds,  writs,  policies 
of  insurance,  &c.  to  be  paid  over  to  a public  officer 
for  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth.  A great  quan- 
tity of  British  goods  was  imported  this  year  into 
the  state,  and  was  the  occasion  of  much  uneasiness 
among  the  people.  For  the  manufactures  of  the 
country  were  thereby  checked,  and  the  amount  of 
specie  in  circulation  was  rapidly  diminishing.  The 
intelligent  patriots  lamented  this  eager  desire  for 
articles  of  foreign  production ; and  were  anxious 
to  restrain  it  by  regulations  on  foreign  commerce 
and  on  the  importation  of  goods  from  other  coun- 
tries. Blit  they  believed  Congress  could  more  ef- 
fectually provide  against  the  evil  by  negotiation 
with  foreign  nations.  The  common  people  com- 

* Mr.  Hancock  was  chosen  a representative  for  Boston  in 
May  following.  The  legislature  appointed  him  a delegate  to 
Congress  the  same  year ; when  he  was  again  chosen  to  pre- 
side over  the  deliberations  of  that  body. 


plained  more  loudly.*  They  saw  British  mer- 
chants and  British  agents  crowding  their  goods 
into  the  state,  many  of  which  they  considered  as 
mere  luxuries,  for  which  nothing  but  gold  and  sil- 
ver was  given  in  exchange:  and  yet  many,  who 
perceived  and  complained  of  the  detriment  which 
was  afflicting  the  country,  gave  their  sanction  to 
these  speculations,  by  purchasing  the  articles  im- 
ported. But  it  is  more  common  to  detect  and  to 
censure  a mischievous  policy,  than  to  practise  that 
self  denial  which  would  prevent  its  deleterious  ef- 
fects. 

* Some  of  the  importers  of  English  goods  were  insulted 
hy  the  populace. 


236 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Ml'.  Bowdoin  governor  . , . His  opinions  and  Speech . . . Proposes  more 
power  to  Congress...  Embarrassments  on  commerce  ...  Plan  to  pay- 
debt  . , , British  captain’s  insolence  . . . Old  taxes  not  collected  . . . New 
ones  assessed  . . . Criininals  confined  to  labour  . . , Convention  in  Maine 
, . . Proposal  to  authorise  Congress  to  regulate  commerce  . . . Convention 
proposed  for  revising  corporation  ...  Mr.  Bowdoin  governor  1786.*. 
Urges  payment  of  debt. 

At  the  election  in  1785,  Mr.  Bowdoin  was  chosen 
governor,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, the  people  not  having  given  him  a majori- 
ty of  votes.  By  those  who  were  ignorant  of  his 
true  character,  or  who  had  selfish  purposes  to 
promote  in  opposing  him,  he  was  represented  as 
unduly  attached  to  the  British  government ; so 
early  was  this  accusation  made  against  some  of 
the  purest  patriots  of  the  country.  There  was 
not  in  truth,  any  foundation  for  such  a charge. 
He  had  early  and  uniformly  opposed  the  oppres- 
sive measures  of  the  British  ministry.  He  was 
repeatedly  debarred  from  a seat  in  the  council,  by 
Hutchinson,  when  elected  to  that  body  by  the 
patriotic  assembly  of  Massachusetts.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  delegates  to  the  Continental  Congress 
in  1774;  and  president  of  the  Supreme  Execu- 
tive Council  in  1775  and  ’76 : and  his  conduct  had 
been  that  of  a decided,  consistent  advocate  of 


237 


the  liberties  of  America.*  But  he  was  less  ar- 
dent in  his  disposition,  and  less  desirous  of  con- 
forming to  merely  popular  sentiments  than  many 
others ; who  became,  therefore,  the  greater  fa- 
vourites of  the  common  people.  He  was  distin- 
guished for  correctness  of  judgment  and  for  great 
moderation  in  action ; but  was  possessed  also  of 
that  firmness  and  decision  of  character  which  pro- 
cure respectability,  and  qualify  a man  for  the 
duties  of  a public  station.  The  favour  and  ap- 
plause of  the  people  were  not  his  chief  object ; he 
sought  rather  their  true  and  permanent  welfare, 
by  reminding  them  of  their  obligations,  and  giving 
them  an  example  of  all  the  social  and  moral  vir- 
tues.! 

Mr.  Bowdoin  came  into  the  chair  at  a critical 
period.  There  was  a very  great  debt  standing 
against  the  State,  and  the  public  credit  was  not 
yet  placed  upon  such  a foundation  as  to  satisfy 
those  who  had  demands  upon  it.  Many  were  in 
immediate  necessity  for  their  dues,  and  others 
had  not  entire  confidence  in  the  disposition  of  the 
legislature  to  do  them  perfect  justice.  The  peo- 
ple were  still  complaining  of  the  allowance  of  five 
years’  wages  to  the  officers  of  the  late  army,  and 
of  the  high  salaries  given  to  some  public  officers. 
Some  were  dissatisfied  with  the  Impost,  and  some 
with  the  excise.  The  commercial  intercourse 

* One  of  Mr.  Bovvdoin’s  sons  in  law  was  an  English  gen- 
tleman. But  he  was  a man  of  most  excellent  character,  and 
a friend  of  America.  This  circumstance  served  as  a pretext 
for  the  charge  of  British  partiality. 

t Messrs.  Gerry,  Holten,  Partridge,  and  King  were  dele- 
gates to  Congress  for  1785,  and  Mr.  Hancock  part  of  the 
year. 


238 


with  other  nations  was  not  beneficial  to  America, 
nor  was  there  any  practical  reciprocity  in  the 
trade  of  the  United  States  and  foreign  countries. 
Many  of  those  who  adhered  to  the  British  go- 
vernment during  the  revolution,  were  now  return- 
ing to  the  State  ; and  if  a great  portion  of  the 
people  were  opposed  to  their  residence  in  the  coun- 
try, others  were  of  opinion  that  a discrimination 
might  justly  be  made,  by  which  some  of  that  de- 
scription should  be  allowed  to  return,  with  the 
expectation  of  their  demeaning  themselves  as  good 
citizens. 

In  such  circumstances,  it  would  have  been  im- 
possible for  the  governor  to  relieve  all  the  wants, 
and  remove  all  the  complaints  of  the  people  ; or 
even  to  avoid  the  censures  of  some  particular 
class  or  party  of  citizens.  It  was  too  great  a task 
for  any  individual,  or  any  legislative  body  to  per- 
form at  once.  Nothing  but  the  resolute  efforts  of 
the  whole  community  could  remedy  the  distress 
and  evils  which  prevailed.  The  citizens,  general- 
ly, were  so  well  principled,  that  they  would  have 
endured  any  privations  for  the  liberty  of  the 
country,  as  they  had  often  done  in  the  period  of 
the  war ; but  it  was  their  unhappiness  to  have 
lost  a just  confidence  in  some  of  the  most  upright 
statesmen,  and  to  have  imbibed  mistaken  views  of 
the  course  and  the  means  necessary  to  the  per- 
manent welfare  of  the  country. 

Mr.  Bowdoin  had  a deep  sense  of  the  responsi- 
bility of  his  station,  and  of  the  necessity  of  great 
exertions,  both  in  the  legislature  and  the  people, 
to  provide  a remedy  for  the  difficulties  which 
existed.  The  following  extracts  from  his  speech, 
when  the  General  Court  informed  him  they  were 


239 


ready  to  proceed  upon  the  public  business,  will 
shew  his  views  on  commerce  and  public  credit. 
After  declaring  his  determination  to  make  the 
constitution  his  guide,  he  observed  : — 

‘‘  The  state  of  our  foreign  trade,  which  has 
given  such  general  uneasiness,  and  the  operation 
of  which,  through  the  extravagant  importations, 
and  use  of  foreign  manufactures,  has  occasion- 
ed a large  balance  against  us,  demands  serious 
consideration.  To  satisfy  that  balance,  our  money 
is  exported,  which,  w^ith  all  the  remittances  now 
in  our  power,  falls  far  short  of  a sufficiency. 
Those  means,  which  have  been  greatly  lessened 
by  the  war,  are  gradually  enlarging ; but  they 
cannot  increase  to  their  former  amplitude,  so  long 
as  Great  Britain  and  other  nations  continue  the 
commercial  systems  they  have  lately  adopted. 
They  have  an  undoubted  right  to  regulate  their 
trade  with  us,  and  to  admit  into  their  ports,  on 
their  own  terms,  the  vessels  and  cargoes  which 
go  from  the  United  States,  or  to  refuse  an  admit- 
tance ; their  own  interest,  or  their  sense  of  it, 
being  the  only  principle  to  dictate  those  regula- 
tions, when  no  treaty  of  commerce  is  subsisting. 
The  United  States  have  the  same  right,  and  ought 
to  regulate  their  foreign  trade  on  the  same  princi- 
ple. And  it  is  a misfortune  that  Congress  has  not 
yet  been  authorized  for  that  purpose  by  all  the 
States.  If  there  be  any  thing  wanting  on  the 
part  of  this  State  to  complete  that  authority,  it 
lies  with  you,  gentlemen,  to  mature  it ; and  until 
Congress  shall  ordain  the  necessary  regulations, 
you  will  please  to  consider  what  further  is  needful 
to  be  done  on  our  part,  to  remedy  the  evils,  of 
which  the  merchant,  tradesman,  and  manufac- 


242 


to  settle  and  define  them,  you  will  take  the  neces- 
sary measures  for  obtaining  such  a convention,  or 
Congress,  whose  agreement,  when  confirmed  by 
the  States,  would  ascertain  those  powers.” 

The  two  houses  united  in  reply  to  the  speech 
of  the  governor,  in  which  they  expressed  the 
highest  respect  for  his  character ; and  said — 

“ It  shall  be  our  earnest  endeavour,  at  all  times, 
to  contribute  to  the  establishment  of  the  federal 
government  of  these  States  on  a firm  basis,  and  on 
such  principles  as  may  best  tend  to  procure  a just 
distribution  of  power,  perfect  the  Union,  preserve 
and  secure  the  rights  and  liberties  of  individuals, 
and  promote  public,  private,  and  social  happiness.” 
They  also  declared  their  resolution  to  provide  for 
the  support  of  the  public  credit,  and  the  payment 
of  the  debts  of  the  State.* 

The  General  Court  passed  the  following  re- 
solves, on  the  subject  of  the  inefficiency  of  the 
powers  of  Congress,  and  of  the  expediency  of 
having  a convention  to  revise  the  articles  of  Con- 
federation. * 

“ As  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  a nation 
cannot  be  secured  without  a due  proportion  of 
power  in  the  rulers  of  the  State,  the  present 
embarrassed  situation  of  our  public  affairs  must 
lead  the  mind  of  the  most  inattentive  observer  to 
realize  the  necessity  of  a revision  of  the  powers 
vested  in  Congress  by  the  articles  of  confedera- 
tion ; and  as  we  conceive  it  to  be  equally  the  duty 
and  privilege  of  every  State  in  the  Union  freely 

* The  merchants  and  tradesmen  of  Boston  presented  an 
address  to  the  governor,  congratulating  him  on  his  election, 
and  declaring  their  confidence  in  his  integrity  and  patriotism. 


243 


to  communicate  their  sentiments  to  the  rest,  on 
everj  subject  relating  to  their  common  interest, 
and  to  solicit  their  concurrence  in  such  measures 
as  the  exigency  of  their  public  affairs  may  require, 
therefore,  Resolved^  that,  in  the  opinion  of  this 
Court,  the  present  powers  of  Congress,  as  contain- 
ed in  the  articles  of  confederation,  are  not  fully 
adequate  to  the  great  purposes  they  were  origi- 
nally designed  to  effect. 

Resolved^  that,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Court,  it  is 
highly  expedient,  if  not  indispensably  necessary, 
that  there  should  be  a convention  of  delegates, 
from  all  the  States  in  the  Union,  at  some  conve- 
nient place,  as  soon  as  may  be,  for  the  sole  pur- 
pose of  revising  the  Confederation,  and  reporting 
to  Congress  how  far  it  may  be  necessary  to  alter 
or  enlarge  the  same. 

Resolved^  that  Congress  be  requested  to  recom- 
mend a convention  of  delegates  from  all  the  States, 
at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may  think  conve- 
nient, to  revise  the  Confederation,  and  report  to 
Congress  how  far  it  may  be  necessary,  in  their  opi- 
nion, to  alter  or  enlarge  the  same,  in  order  to  secure 
and  perpetuate  the  primary  objects  of  the  Union.” 

A letter  was  written  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress, by  desire  of  the  legislature,  and  signed  by 
the  governor,  requesting  that  these  resolutions 
might  be  laid  before  that  body;  and  the  delegates 
from  Massachusetts  were  instructed  to  the  sut- 
ject. 

A few  days  after  he  took  the  chair,  the  govern- 
or issued  a proclamation,  exhorting  the  people  of 
the  State  to  cherish  the  interests  of  learning,  and 
to  provide  for  the  education  of  youth ; and  urging 
the  importance  of  industry,  frugality,  and  sobriety. 


244 


By  request  of  the  General  Court,  the  governor 
wrote  also  to  the  executives  of  the  other  States, 
proposing  to  them  to  pass  laws  regulating  com- 
merce and  navigation,  for  the  purpose  of  prevent- 
ing the  contracted  and  monopolizing  policy  of 
England  ; and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  giving 
more  power  to  Congress  on  the  subject,  by  which 
a uniformity  of  proceedings,  in  relation  to  com- 
merce with  foreign  countries,  might  take  place  ; 
the  result  of  which,  it  was  believed,  would  be 
beneficial  to  the  United  States,  and  induce  Great 
Britain  to  a more  liberal  conduct  in  the  concerns 
of  trade.  Such  a law  was  passed  by  the  legisla- 
ture of  Massachusetts,  in  June,  (1785),  by  which 
British  vessels  were  forbidden  to  carry  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  United  States ; they  were  also  pro- 
hibited entering  and  unloading  their  cargoes,  if 
brought  from  ports  and  places  from  which  Ame- 
rican vessels  were  excluded ; and  confined  to  Bos- 
ton, Falmouth,  (Maine),  and  Dartmouth,  as  ports  of 
entry.  The  object  of  the  acts,  then  recently 
passed  by  the  British  government,  was  to  prevent 
vessels-  of  the  United  States  transporting  their 
own  produce,  or  importing  such  goods  as  they 
wanted  for  their  own  consumption ; and  to  engross 
the  whole  business  of  navigation,  especially  the 
carrying  trade  to  themselves,  which  was  a very 
serious  and  alarming  evil  to  the  people  in  the 
New-England  States.  The  impost  law  was  also 
revised,  and  higher  duties  charged  to  all  articles 
imported,  which  were  considered  superfluous,  or 
which  might  interfere  with  the  manufactures  of 
the  country,  which  it  was  then  the  policy  of  the  go- 
vernment to  encourage.  This  was  a wise  provi- 
sion; for  the  people  indulged  in  much  extrava- 


245 


gance  in  the  use  of  foreign  goods,  and  the  country 
was  greatly  impoverished. 

The  plan  of  government  for  raising  a revenue  to 
the  state  by  the  manufacture  of  pot  and  pearl 
ashes  was  not  carried  into  effect.  The  design  was 
that  the  people  should  be  encouraged  to  manufac- 
ture and  deposit  it  with  some  public  agent,  and 
that  it  be  sold  for  the  state,  the  individual  to  be 
credited  on  his  tax  to  the  amount  for  which  it 
sold,  and  thus  prevent  the  purchase  of  foreign  and 
superfluous  goods,  which  was  usually  taken  in  ex- 
change for  ashes.  Such  a plan  would  have  put 
some  limits  to  extravagance  and  increased  a valu- 
able manufacture.  A law  was  made,  however,  for 
the  survey  and  inspection  of  ashes,  which  had  a 
salutary  effect.  The  article  exported  from  Mas- 
sachusetts has  always  been  considered  more  pure, 
and  has  commanded  a higher  price  than  from  any 
other  state.  The  governor  also  advised  to  the 
manufacture  of  gun  powder,  and  to  the  raising  of 
sheep,  for  the  purpose  of  gradually  lessening  the 
amount  of  imposts,  and  exciting  people  to  provide 
more  generally  the  necessary  articles  of  life.  The 
importation  of  common  woollen  cloths  were  very 
great  at  this  period. 

The  legislature,  at  this  session,  authorised  their 
delegates  in  Congress  to  agree  to  an  alteration  of 
the  eighth  article  of  the  confederation  of  the 
thirteen  states.  As  it  originally  was,  it  provided 
that  the  quota  of  each  state’s  tax  to  the  continent 
should  be  fixed  according  to  the  value  of  lands  and 
buildings.  The  amendment  provided,  that  it  should 
thenceforth  be  according  to  the  number  of  white 
and  other  free  citizens,  and  of  three-fifths  of  all 
other  persons.  As  an  inducement  to  the  people 


246 


to  pay  their  taxes,  at  an  early  day  after  they  were 
assessed,  the  governor  proposed  that  a premium 
should  be  offered  for  prompt  payment,  and  the  in- 
terest be  required  of  such  as  did  not  pay  at  the 
time  fixed  by  the  statute. 

Soon  after  governor  Bowdoin  came  into  office, 
his  firmness  was  subjected  to  a severe  trial  by  the 
insolent  behaviour  of  a British  naval  officer,  whose 
ship  was  then  lying  in  the  harbour  of  Boston.  In 
consequence  of  the  monopolizing  policy  of  the  Bri- 
tish government,  relative  to  trade  and  commerce, 
and  of  the  arbitrary  conduct,  both  of  its  individu- 
al subjects  and  public  agents  in  several  instances, 
the  prejudices  of  the  people  were  very  strong,  at 
this  period,  against  all  British  officers  ; and  in  this 
particular  case,  some  insults  were  offered  to  the 
captain  and  a party  belonging  to  the  English  frig- 
ate. The  captain,  exaggerating  the  affair  and  pre- 
tending to  be  in  fear  of  further  insult,  applied  to 
the  governor,  who  assured  him,  that  he  should  be 
protected.  It  afterwards  appeared,  that  the  cap- 
tain claimed  a certain  man  as  his  servant,  who  was 
formerly  in  his  service,  and  attempted  to  seize  and 
convey  him  on  board  his  ship  by  force ; and  that 
he  had  received  the  insult,  of  which  he  complained, 
on  account  of  his  own  violent  and  illegal  conduct. 
When,  therefore,  he  complained  a second  time,  the 
governor  informed  him,  that  the  laws  afforded  pro- 
tection to  strangers  as  well  as  to  native  citizens.  But 
the  officer  was  offended,  that  the  governor  did  not 
adopt  some  special  measures  tp  gratify  his  pride, 
and  accused  Mr.  Bowdoin  of  prevarication;  still 
claiming  of  him  particular  interference  in  his  be- 
half. The  governor  repelled  the  insolent  sugges- 
tions in  the  captain’s  letters  with  great  dignity  and 


247 


firmness.  Finding  his  situation  unpleasant,  and 
probably  sensible  of  the  impropriety  of  his  conduct, 
which  was  universally  condemned,  he  soon  left  the 
harbour.  As  this  behaviour  was  an  insult  to  the 
country,  as  well  as  to  the  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts, Mr.  Bowdoin  gave  information  of  the  affair 
to  Congress;  and  a resolution  was  passed  to  repre- 
sent the  affair,  through  the  American  envoy,  to 
the  British  government.  The  conduct  of  the  offi- 
cer was  justly  censured  in  his  own  country. 

The  governor  gave  particular  attention  to  the 
finances  of  the  state ; and  in  October,  at  the  second 
session  of  the  General  Court,  he  made  a full  state- 
ment of  the  debt  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  sug- 
gested the  means  of  providing  for  the  payment,  in 
such  manner  as  he  believed  would  be  satisfactory 
to  the  public  creditors.  The  amount  of  the  debt 
was  5,000,000  dollars.*  The  receipts  on  excise 
and  imposts  for  the  year  past  was  190,000,  and  on 
auctions  3,600.  An  additional  sum  was  expected 
to  accrue  from  the  revised  impost  act ; which,  with 
100,000/.  tax  for  fifteen  years,  would  discharge  the 
whole  debt,  both  principal  and  interest. 

A great  part  of  the  debt  consisted  of  army 
notes,  and  consolidated  notest  so  called;  but 
these,  it  was  proposed  to  renew,  as  many  of 
the  public  creditors  would  be  willing  to  wait 
a longer  time,  on  assurance,  of  receiving  their 
interest  with  punctuality.  There  were,  besides, 
large  sums  still  to  be  collected,  on  account  of 
taxes  laid  for  some  years  before,  both  for  the 

* This  WHS  the  state  debt ; the  proportion  of  the  continen- 
tal debt  was  estimated  at  nearly  the  same  amount. 

t Those  were  so  denominated,  which  had  been  given  to  the 
public  creditors,  when  the  state  was  unable  to  pay  their  de- 
mands, and  paper  money  was  called  in. 


248 


state  and  continent.  But,  though  this  would  lessen 
the  amount  of  a new  tax,  to  be  assessed  for  the 
current  year,  it  would,  in  fact,  afford  no  relief  to 
the  people,  who,  by  being  called  upon  for  all  ar- 
rears, were  required  to  pay  large  sums  into  the 
public  treasury.  For  want  of  prompt  and  uniform 
measures  through  the  states  to  regulate  commerce, 
and  to  put  a stop  to  large  importations  of  foreign 
goods,  and  that  in  foreign  vessels,  with  little  in  re- 
turn but  specie,  the  embarrassments  of  the  coum 
try  continued,  the  people  of  all  classes  complained, 
and  it  was  extremely  difficult,  in  many  cases  im- 
possible, for  them  to  pay  the  taxes  which  were  as- 
sessed upon  them.  The  governor  was  very  ur- 
gent with  the  General  Court,  to  provide  for  the 
debt  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  for  the  payment 
of  the  sums  required  of  the  state  by  Congress. 
He  acknowledged  that  the  burden  of  taxes  was 
very  great : but  he  reminded  them  also,  that  it 
was  the  price  of  their  independence;  and  that  ex- 
traordinary efforts  w'ere  necessary  to  maintain  the 
public  credit,  and  to  save  the  country  from  ruin. 
His  advice  and  recommendations  were  considered 
most  judicious  and  seasonable,  by  all  intelligent  cit- 
izens : and  had  the  legislature  pursued  the  course 
he  pointed  out,  with  unwavering  steps,  it  would 
probably  have  saved  the  state  from  the  disgrace 
and  expense  of  an  insurrection,  which  took  place 
at  the  close  of  the  following  year.  But  many  of 
the  General  Court  were  wanting  in  sufficient  reso- 
lution to  lay  the  taxes,  or  to  order  the  collection 
of  them,  which  the  exigency  required.  There 
was,  indeed,  some  apology  for  their  remissness, 
arising  from  the  sacrifices,  which  it  would  be  ne- 
cessary for  the  people  to  make,  in  order  to  pay 


249 


the  amount  of  taxes,  in  addition  to  those  before 
assessed  and  unpaid,  which  the  full  support  of  pub- 
lic credit  required.  But  the  public  burdens  should 
have  been  timely  met  by  corresponding  exertions. 
Delay  served  only  to  increase  the  difficulty,  with- 
out affording  any  real  satisfaction  to  the  people. 
If  the  General  Court  had  firmly  supported  the 
views  of  the  governor,  the  creditors  of  the  state 
would  have  had  confidence  in  the  government, 
and  willingly  renewed  their  loans  to  the  Common- 
wealth; while,  so  long  as  the  state  was  supposed 
to  be  unable,  or  was  unwilling,  to  pay  its  just 
debts,  its  creditors  would  be  earnest  in  their  de- 
mands for  immediate  payment.  It  was  well  known, 
that  the  distresses  of  the  people  were  great,  and 
there  was  a sincere  disposition  to  relieve  them  : 
but  it  was  also  seen,  that  the  only  remedy  was  in 
extraordinary  efforts,  and  in  frugality  and  econo- 
my. 

The  governor  referred,  in  his  speech  to  the  le- 
gislature, in  October,  to  a convention  then  recently 
held  in  Portland  for  the  purpose  of  forming  the 
district  of  Maine  into  a separate  state.  There 
were  several  persons,  in  that  part  of  the  Common- 
wealth, desirous  of  a separation;  and  they  had  pre- 
vailed with  others,  from  various  parts  of  that  dis- 
trict, to  convene,  and  consider  the  expediency  of 
such  a measure.  The  proceedings,  as  those  be- 
lieved, who  assembled,  were  very  regular,  and  con- 
sistent with  good  order;  for  it  was  their  intention 
to  ascertain  the  opinion  of  the  people  generally, 
and  if  agreeable  to  them,  to  petition  the  General 
Court  for  a separation.  But  the  governor  spoke 
of  their  conduct,  as  “ of  bad  tendency  ;”  and  there 
were  many  in  Massachusetts  who  believed  it  was 

VOL.  II.  :^2 


not  the  proper  and  regular  mode  of  proceeding  to 
hold  conventions  in  the  manner  that  was  called  ; 
but  to  obtain  the  consent  of  the  General  Court  to 
refer  the  subject,  in  the  first  place,  to  the  people 
for  their  opinion.  Before  the  General  Court  was 
prorogued,  a joint  address  was  presented  to  the 
governor  from  the  senate  and  representatives, 
thanking  him  for  his  attention  and  fidelity  in  the 
concerns  of  the  state,^  admitting  the  importance  of 
providing  for  the  support  of  public  credit,  and  pro- 
mising to  attend  particularly  to  the  subject,  at  the 
next  session.  One  excuse  for  declininof  to  vote  a 

O 

tax,  at  that  time  was,  that  a valuation  had  been 
ordered  to  be  taken  of  the  property  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, which,  when  received  would  enable 
them  to  apf)ortlon  it  more  equitably  upon  the  re- 
spective towns. 

The  governor  had  other  reasons,  besides  his  own 
conviction  of  the  propriety  and  rectitude  of  the 
measure,  to  urge  the  General  Court  to  take  im- 
mediate order  for  collecting  the  taxes  already  as- 
sessed, and  to  make  provision  for  still  further  sums, 
with  all  possible  despatch.  In  the  course  of  three 
or  four  months,  he  had  received  several  letters 
from  the  continental  commissioners  of  finance,  re- 
questing immediate  remittance  of  a p-trt  of  the  ar- 
rears, which  had  been  long  due  from  Massachu- 
setts, and  stating  the  necessity  of  receiving  the  re- 
mainder within  a short  period.  They  also  gave 
information,  that  a new  requisition  would  be  made 
on  several  states  for  a large  sum,  which  would 

* They  referred,  especially,  to  his  statement  of  the  public 
debt,  and  the  plan  for  reducing  it;  and  expressed  an  earnest 
desire,  that  he  would  continue  to  give  his  attention  to  the 
important  subject.” 


251 


be  expected  to  be  paid  early  in  the  year  1786. 
Belbre  the  legislature  assembled  again,  which  was 
in  January,  the  governor  had  additional  communi- 
cations from  Congress,  pressing  the  payment  of  the 
former  quotas,  and  requiring  the  I’urther  sum  of 
448,000  dollars  to  be  provided  at  an  early  period, 
as  their  faith  was  pledged  for  a large  amount.  All 
these  papers  were  laid  before  the  two  houses,  by 
the  governor,  who  again  expressed  his  deep  sense 
of  the  necessity  of  their  immediate  attention  to  the 
requisitions  of  Congress,  and  his  anxiety  at  the  em- 
barrassed condition  of  the  Commonwealth.  The 
whole  sum  called  for  by  Congress,  being  the  amount 
of  arrears  and  new  apportionment,  was  981,000 
dollars  ; only  one  third  of  this  however,  was  to  be 
paid  in  specie,  the  other  two-thirds  might  be  provid- 
ed for  by  new  loans,  at  the  option  of  the  state.  A 
continental  loan  olhce  in  the  capital  of  the  state  fa- 
cilitated such  a measure,  so  long  as  the  credit  of 
the  Commonwealth  was  maintained,  by  paying  the 
demands  of  those  who  held  notes  payable  at  the 
office,  or  by  a prompt  payment  of  interest,  and  a 
renewal  of  such  loans  as  the  creditor  was  willing 
to  grant.  The  whole  amount  to  be  collecied  by 
direct  tax,  on  account  of  the  state,  was  333,000 
dollars:  and  the  sum  of  300,000  was  calculated 
Avould  be  raised  by  the  Impost  and  excise  laws. 

A law  was  enacted  in  1785  for  the  confinement 
of  certain  convicts  to  hard  labour  on  Castle  island. 
Public  opinion  was  opposed  to  corporal  punish- 
ments ; and  it  was  believed,  that  imprisonment, 
united  to  laborious  service,  would  be  likely  to  re- 
form the  criminal.  The  laws  already  required  con- 
finement to  houses  of  correction  in  the  different 
counties  for  some  offences;  but  there  were  few 


252 


such  buildings  erected  in  the  state  ; and  it  was 
only  for  the  lesser  crimes,  that  such  punishment 
was  provided.  It  was  now  ordered  by  the  General 
Court,  that  a large  workshop  should  be  erected  on 
the  island,  and  the  barracks  fitted  for  the  reception 
of  those  sentenced  to  hard  labour  and  confinement 
for  a longer  term  than  a year.  Afterward,  when 
that  island  was  ceded  to  the  United  States,  a build- 
ing was  provided  at  Charlestown,  for  the  recep- 
tion and  employment  of  convicts,  with  the  view  of 
effecting  their  reformation,  as  well  as  of  preventing 
the  further  commission  of  crimes.  The  great  be- 
nefit expected  in  reforming  those  confined  has  not 
been  fully  realized.  But  it  is  difficult  to  decide, 
whether  this  be  owing  to  a defect  in  the  system, 
as  there  is  no  real  solitary  confinement,  or  to  its 
insufficiency  to  reform  the  very  depraved  persons 
who  are  the  subjects  of  its  discipline. 

The  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  early  per- 
ceived the  advantages  which  would  attend  a uni- 
form system  of  commercial  regulation,  and  had, 
by  a particular  resolve,  given  power  to  their  dele- 
gates to  Congress 'to  agree  to  such  a plan:  but  it 
was  on  condition,  that  all  the  other  states  should 
conform  to  the  system.  They  were  also  desirous 
of  having  the  revenue,  thence  arising,  collected 
by  their  own  officers,  and  of  retaining  a part  of 
the  amount  received  for  the  payment  of  the  debts 
of  the  state.  The  system,  which  Congress  would 
approve,  required  the  collectorsto  be  by  continental 
officers,  and  the  whole  revenue  to  be  at  the  dis- 
posal of  that  bodv,  to  discharge  the  debts  of  the 
United  States.  The  sums  collected  by  the  impost 
duty  were,  indeed,  greatly  wanted  by  Massachu- 
setts, to  pay  its  own  particular  debts  : and  it  was 


253 


also  confidently  believed  by  many  intelligent  citi- 
zens, that  the  state  was  paying,  from  year  to  year, 
much  more  than  its  proportion  of  the  continental 
debt,  as  on  a settlement,  it  would  be  found  that 
she  had  advanced  more  than  her  share  of  the  ex- 
pences  of  the  war.  Congress  urged  Massachu- 
setts and  the  other  states,  which  had  not  then 
given  such  power,  to  authorise  their  delegates  to 
consent  to  it.  The  governor  also  in  October  1785, 
and  January  1788,  endeavoured  to  prevail  on  the 
legislature  to  pass  a new  act  giving  complete  and 
unconditional  power  to  Congress  to  regulate  foreign 
commerce.  Before  this  was  decided  by  the  court, 
a proposal  was  made,  by  the  assembly  of  Virginia, 
for  a convention  at  Annapolis,  in  September  fol- 
lowing, to  consist  of  committees  from  all  the  states, 
to  take  into  consideration  the  commerce  and  trade 
of  the  continent;  and  to  agree  upon  some  general 
plan,  or  to  delegate  power  to  Congress  to  legis- 
late on  the  subject.  A committee  was  according- 
ly appointed  by  the  General  Court,  consisting  of 
Caleb  Davis,  B.  Goodhue,  T.  Dalton  and  J.  C. 
Jones  : several  of  these  gentlmen  declined,  and  F. 
Dana,  S.  Hlgglnson,  G.  Cabot  and  E.  Gerry  were 
appointed.  Only  five  states  were  represented  in 
this  meeting,  and  therefore  no  plan  was  adopted 
for  the  general  regulation  of  the  commerce  of  the 
country.  But  it  w\as  recommended  by  the  meeting, 
that  there  should  be  a convention  at  Philadelphia 
in  May  178(3,  to  be  composed  of  delegates  from 
all  the  states,  for  the  purpose  of  revising  the  arti- 
cles of  the  confederation,  and  giving  power  to 
Congress  sufficient  for  adopting  and  enforcing  all 
such  regulations,  ‘‘as  should  be  necessary  for  the 
credit,  respectability  and  prosperity  of  the  coun- 
try.” 


254 


The  finances  of  the  continent  at  this  time  were 
in  a very  unsettled  and  embarrassed  condition. 
Its  debt  in  Europe  was  very  great,  and  the  Con- 
gress was  owing  a large  amount,  exclusive  and  in- 
dependent of  what  the  respective  states  individu- 
ally were  bound  to  pay  for  the  common  benefit. 
Had  the  states  collected  and  paid  over  to  the  con- 
tinental government  the  sums  demanded  for  seve- 
ral years,  the  debt  would  have  been  much  lessen- 
ed. But  all  the  states  were  greally  in  arrears  to 
Congress,  each  having  debts  of  its  own  to  provide 
for.  The  governor  was  desirous  to  comply  with 
the  requisition  of  Congress,  by  giving  to  that  body 
the  whole  power  over  the  imposts,  or  to  appro- 
priate the  revenue  arising  from  it,  to  such  pur- 
poses as  was  required.  But  it  was  not  till  the 
federal  government  was  organized  under  the  new 
constitution,  that  Congress  had  the  full  power  to 
regulate  commerce,  and  to  command  the  revenue 
arising  therefrom. 

Mr.  Bowdoin  was  chosen  governor,  in  1786,  by 
the  people,  having  received  about  three  fourths  of 
the  votes  of  the  whole  state.  Mr.  Cushing  was 
again  elected  lieutenant  governor;  Samuel  Phillips, 
Junr.  President  of  the  Senate,  and  Artemas  Ward, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  The 
House  of  Representatives  consisted  of  two  hun- 
dred membei's  ; many  of  whom  were  not  of  the 
house  the  former  year.  The  counsellers  were, 
Spooner,  Holton,  Gill,  Cushing,  Greenleaf,  Cutts, 
Fuller,  Phillips  and  Ellis ; the  delegates  to  Con- 
gress, Goreham,  Sedgwick,  King  and  Dane. 

The  governor  particularly  urged  upon  the  at- 
tention of  the  legislature  the  interests  of  Harvard 
Colleo-e.  He  alluded  to  the  article  in  the  consti- 

o 


255 


tution,  which  required  the  General  Court  to  pro- 
vide for  its  support  and  prosperity,  and  proposed 
that  all  former  grants  of  lands  be  secured,  and  a 
portion  in  the  new  township  reserved  for  its  use. 
He  reminded  them,  that  it  was  always  an  object 
dear  to  their  fathers;  that  even  the  British  go- 
vernment had  extended  to  the  institution  its  fos- 
tering care;  and  he  expressed  his  confidence,  that 
a re[)ubllcan  legislature  could  not  neglect  the  in- 
terests of  science.  But  a great  part  of  his  elabo- 
rate speech  had  reference  to  the  finances  of  the 
state.  As  he  had  done  at  the  two  former  sessions, 
he  expressed  great  concern  on  account  of  the  pe- 
cuniary eml>arrassments  of  the  Commonwealth, 
and  declared  again  his  solemn  opinion,  that  some 
more  prompt  and  efficient  measures  had  become 
indispensably  necessary.  A large  amount  was  due 
on  army  notes  and  other  public  securities;  a great 
part  of  the  former  taxes  remained  uncollected ; 
and  the  portion  required  of  the  state,  by  Congress, 
for  the  arreai’s  of  three  past  years,  with  the  ad- 
ditional sum  for  the  present  year  (1786  ;)  making 
in  the  whole  almost  a million  and  a half  of  dollars. 
This  indeed,  was  a heavy  tax.  The  exhibit  was 
alarming  and  discouraging  to  the  people.  It  was 
impossible  perhaps  to  collect  it  in  one  year.  But 
the  evil  might  have  been  avoided  in  a great  degree 
by  an  earlier  attention  on  the  part  of  the  General 
Court.  The  governor  had  discharged  his  high 
duty,  by  giving  early  information,  urging  some  pro- 
vision, and  warning  the  General  Court  of  the  dis- 
astrous consequence  of  inattention  and  delay.  He 
did  not  indeed  insist,  either  at  this  time,  or  at  the 
two  preceding  sessions,  when  he  referred  to  the 
subject,  that  the  whole  tax  of  the  state  and  the 


256 


sums  required  by  Congress  should  be  raised,  at 
once.  But  be  did  most  earnestly  urge  upon  them, 
the  necessity  of  paying  the  interest;  of  furnishing 
the  third  of  the  amount  desired  by  Congress,  in 
specie;  and  of  opening  new  loans,  connected  with 
such  a plan  for  paying  promptly  future  interest 
and  annual  instalments  on  the  principle,  as  should 
satisfy  public  creditors  of  the  disposition  of  the 
assembly  to  do  them  ample  justice,  and  to  give 
them  confidence  in  the  promises  of  the  govern- 
ment. Bat  many  of  the  General  Court  were  ac- 
tuated by  mistaken  views  of  the  public  w^elfare, 
and  were  unwilling  to  press  the  people  to  such 
payments  as  the  condition  of  the  state  imperious-’ 
iy  demand^^d.  More  energy  during  the  years 
1783  and  1784,  and  a full  statement  to  the  people 
of  the  public  debt,  might  have  afforded  seasona- 
ble relief,  and  prevented,  in  some  measure,  the 
embarrassment,  with  which  the  Commonwealth 
was  now  struggling. 

In  1781,  wlien  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
army  were  urgent  for  their  w^ages,  and  when  it 
was  extremely  difficult  to  prevail  with  them  to 
continue  in  the  public  service,  the  legislature  en- 
gaged punctual  payment  of  interest,  and  payment 
of  the  principal  in  six  successive  years ; and  passed 
a law  authorising  the  treasurer  to  issue  warrants 
even  if  no  tax  bill  should  be  voted  by  the  legisla- 
ture, for  assessing  and  collecting  the  sums  necessa- 
ry for  the  purpose.  The  governor  reminded  the 
General  Court  of  this  law',  and  stated  that  it  W'ould 
be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  issue  warrants  in 
July,  unless  they  should  expressly  direct  him  to 
suspend  them.  He  suggested,  that  if  a part  now 
due,  with  the  interest,  was  provided  for,  the  resi- 


257 


due  might  be  met  by  giving  new  notes  to  the  cre- 
ditors : but  that  seven  hundred  thousand  dollars 
appeared  to  be  necessary,  to  be  collected,  the 
greater  part,  by  a direct  tax,  to.discharge  demands 
upon  the  state  ; and  224,000  dollars,  to  comply 
with  the  requisitions  of  Congress.  And  yet  the 
legislature  directed  the  treasurer  to  suspend  his 
warrants  for  the  sums  necessary  to  pay  off  the 
public  securities,  for  which  such  taxes  had  been 
previously  promised. 

The  conduct  of  the  legislature  was  represented 
by  some  as  wavering  and  inconsistent.  Perliaps, 
as  it  regarded  the  majority,  there  was  little  foun- 
dation for  such  a charge.  The  situation  of  the 
Commonwealth  was  very  critical ; and  the  imme- 
diate representatives  of  the  people  were  desirous 
of  affording  all  possible  relief  to  their  fellow  citi- 
zens ; yet,  at  the  same  time,  they  discovered  a 
disposition  to  support  public  credit  and  to  comply 
with  the  demands  of  Congress.  They  granted  a 
large  sum  at  the  request  of  that  body,  to  satisfy 
demands  before  made,  by  a tax  on  the  polls  and 
estates  of  the  people.  When  a proposition  was 
made  to  issue  paper  bills,  to  order  them  to  be  re- 
ceived in  payment  of  public  debts  and  even  to  be 
made  a tender  in  all  cases,  and  also  to  allow  the 
payment  of  common  debts  by  specific  articles  of 
produce,  it  received  the  negative  of  five  sixths  of 
the  representatives. 

The  General  Court  was  prorogued,  early  in  July, 
to  the  month  of  January;  but,  on  account  of  the 
prevailing  complaints  among  the  people,  which,  in 
August,  were  followed  by  county  conventions  and 
open  opposition  to  government,  in  stopping  the 
courts  of  justice,  and  threatening  the  entire  pros-; 

VOL.  II.  33 


258 


tratioii  of  law  and  order,  tlie  governor  called  a 
special  session  in  September.  The  council  un- 
animously advised  to  this  measure.  The  principal 
complaints  of  the  people  were  the  following. 
The  excise  law,  and  the  application  of  the  reve- 
nue arising  from  that  and  from  the  impost  law  to 
the  payment  of  continental  taxes,  and  notes  due 
at  the  loan  ofiice  and  to  the  officers  and  soldiers 
of  the  late  army,  instead  of  being  put  into  the 
treasury  to  discharge  the  common  expences  of 
government. — The  usual  mode  of  apportioning 
direct  taxes  ; the  poorer  classes  alleging  that  the 
poll  tax  was  too  high,  and  the  farmers  that  land 
was  valued  too  highly,  and  commercial  property 
not  enough  : the  compensation  allowed  the  officers 
of  the  army  was  considered  a grievance  by  some, 
and  objections  were  made  to  paying  them,  “at  the 
expence  of  the  sufferings  of  their  fellow  citizens,” 
as  was  pretended.  This  was,  indeed,  a singular 
complaint;  for  they  had  the  notes  of  government, 
which  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  the  legislature 
to  cancel ; and  a great  portion  were  too  just,  as 
well  as  too  grateful,  to  wish  to  deprive  them  of 
their  due.  Another  source  of  discontent  was  the 
great  amount  of  private  debts,  which  had  long 
been  suffered  to  accumulate. — The  costs  in  civil 
suits,  and  in  the  collection  of  debts  gave  occasion 
for  complaint  also  : and  it  was  pretended  that 
lawyers  had  an  undue  influence  and  were  growing 
rich,  at  the  expence  of  the  common  people.  Some 
even  objected  to  the  courts  of  common  pleas  as 
an  unnecessary  burden.  Objections  were  made 
to  the  constitution  of  the  state  ; and  the  senate 
declared  to  be  superfluous,  or  worse.  Some 
.desired  a new  emission  of  paper,  in  the  hope 
that  a remedy  would  thereby  be  provided  for 


259 


their  pecuniary  embarrassments.  Some  proposed 
the  payment  of  the  debt  of  the  state  by  paying 
only  the  sum  for  which  public  paper  was  purchas- 
ed, when  at  its  greatest  depreciation. 

The  single  fact,  that  the  taxes  were  extremely 
high  and  burdensome,  is  sufficient  perhaps,  to  ac- 
count for  all  the  uneasiness,  which  prevailed.  But, 
to  the  well  informed  and  reflecting  citizens,  the  dis- 
position both  of  the  governor  and  of  the  General 
Court  to  grant  all  the  indulgence  and  forbearance 
consistent  with  the  public  credit,  was  sufficiently 
apparent;  and  must  have  induced  them,  most  will- 
ingly, to  submit  to  the  requisitions,  which  were 
made  upon  them.  But  many  of  the  lower  class 
of  people  had  imbibed  improper  notions  of  go- 
vernment, in  consequence  of  tlie  revolution,  and 
of  the  opposition  formerly  made  to  the  arbitrary 
acts  of  the  British  parliament.  And  a few  artful 
and  unprincipled  men  took  advantage  of  their 
mistakes  and  sufferings,  and  persuaded  them,  that 
they  had  a right,  in  irregular  conventions  and  by 
force,  to  rid  themselves  of  the  restraints  of  law 
and  government.  The  riots  which  took  place, 
however,  were  rather  the  effect  of  excitement  un- 
der their  heavy  burdens,  than  of  any  settled  belief 
with  many,  that  they  might  justly  oppose  the  laws 
of  the  state.  A vast  majority  of  the  citizens  were 
too  intelligent  and  too  well  disposed,  to  resolve, 
deliberately,  to  disobey  the  authority  of  govern- 
ment. There  was,  indeed,  at  one  time,  much 
cause  for  alarm,  when  even  a comparatively  small 
portion  of  the  people  were  so  infatuated  as  to 
take  up  arms  to  oppose  the  government  of  their 
own  creation,  or  to  refuse  to  pay  the  price  of 
their  civil  privileges  ; and  it  required  the  vigilance, 
the  wisdom,  and  firmness  of  the  friends  of  good 
order  to  quell  the  spirit  of  misrule. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Convention  in  Hampshire  county  . . . Also  in  other  countries  . . . Complaints 
of  taxes  and  courts  . . . Courts  interrupted  . . . Militia  called  out  to  sup- 
port government .. . Extra  session  of  the  General  Court . . . Approved  of 
the  conduct  of  the  governor ...  And  endeavour  to  provide  relief  to  the 
public  . . . Middlesex  militia  . . .County  conventions  renewed  and  forci- 
ble opposition  to  government ...  Settlement  of  dispute  with  New  York 
. . . Courts  again  obstructed  , . . Insurgents  em.bodied  . . . And  militia 
called  out. 


In  the  early  part  of  August  a convention  was 
holden  at  Hatfield,  composed  of  delegates  from 
about  fifty  towns  in  the  county  of  Hampshire, 
being  five  sixths  of  the  whole  number.  They  as- 
sembled openly,  and  declared  their  object  to  be, 
‘‘  to  consider  and  provide  a remedy  for  the  griev- 
ances they  suffered.”  They  professed  to  disap- 
prove of  all  mobs  and  riots;  and  probably  a ma- 
jority of  them  were  sincere  in  the  declaration  and 
did  not  meditate  any  forcible  opposition  to  govern- 
ment. The  error,  in  the  well  disposed,  was  to 
assemble  in  such  a manner;  as  it  only  served  to 
inflame  the  minds  of  the  more  ignorant,  and  gave 
opportunity  to  the  more  artful  to  exert  an  influence 
extremely  dangerous.  The  regular  mode  of  seek- 
ing a redress  of  their  grievances  and  sufferings 
would  have  been  an  application  to  the  legislature, 
through  their  representatives,  who  would  have 


2(31 


afforded  all  suitable  indulgence  and  all  possible  re- 
lief. For  the  legislature,  composed  of  citizens  of 
the  state,  whose  interests,  whose  prosperity,  whose 
rights  and  whose  destiny,  were  the  same  as  those 
of  all  the  people,  would  be  as  ready  to  provide 
for  the  comfort  and  the  rights  of  their  constitu- 
ents, as  for  the  authority  of  government. 

This  convention  continued  in  session  three  days. 
Their  first  vote  was,  ‘‘  that  the  convention  was 
constitutional.”  They  then  proceeded  to  consider 
the  causes  of  complaint  among  the  people ; which 
they  believed  to  be  the  following. — The  senate  in 
the  legislature,  which  they  alleged  was  not  a re- 
presentative body  of  the  citizens,  and  was  a re- 
straint upon  their  immediate  deputies  or  agents. 
The  rule  of  representation  was  objected  against 
as  unequal  ; all  salaries,  they  insisted,  ought  to  be 
granted  annually,  and  all  civil  officers  appointed 
by  the  General  Court. — Fees  for  judges  and 
others,  they  believed  were  too  great. — The  courts 
of  Common  Pleas  and  of  sessions  were  unnecessa- 
ry.— The  whole  appropriation  of  the  impost  and 
excise  duties  to  pay  the  public  debt,  especially 
army  notes,  was  condemned;  and  a suggestion 
made  that  a part  of  it  ought  to  be  applied  to  the 
annual  support  of  the  government. — Some  salaries 
of  public  officers  were  too  high. — The  existing 
rule  of  laying  taxes  was  objected  to,  in  assessing 
so  much  on  polls  and  on  lands ; expence  of  law  suits  ; 
want  of  circulating  medium;  General  Court  sitting 
in  Boston;  neglect  in  settling  with  Congress,  as  it 
was  believed  the  state  was  called  upon  for  more 
than  its  portion;  and  the  haste  with  which  collec- 
tors were  required  to  collect  the  taxes,  many  of 
which  were  due. 


262 


The  convention  proposed  that  paper  bills  should 
be  issued,  that  they  should  be  made  a tender,  and 
be  received  in  payment  of  public  securities  and 
other  notes  due  the  officers  of  the  army  or  those 
who  had  loaned  money  to  the  Commonwealth. 
They  also  declared  an  opinion  for  having  the  con- 
stitution revised  and  altered.  And  they  passed 
a vote,  that  the  governor  should  be  required  to 
call  the  General  Court  together  immediately  to 
act  upon  these  various  subjects.  Their  votes  and 
proceedings  were  ordered  to  be  published,  and 
copies  to  be  forwarded  to  Worcester  and  Berk- 
shire, where  conventions  were  already  proposed 
to  be  holden  : and  the  chairman  was  authorised  to 
call  another  meeting,  if  application  should  be  made 
to  him  for  the  purpose. 

It  was  evident,  that  many  of  their  complaints 
were  unreasonable,  and  that  some  of  their  pro- 
posals were  inconsistent  with  the  dignity  of  go- 
vernment and  the  honour  and  good  faith  of  the 
states.  No  one  denied  that  the  public  burdens 
were  difficult  to  be  borne  ; nor  were  there  any 
who  did  not  lament  the  condition  of  the  people, 
and  desire  to  provide  some  relief.  But  the  con- 
vention, even  supposing  a majority  of  its  members 
to  have  been  averse  from  open  opposition  to  the 
laws,  was  considered  an  improper  means  for  re- 
dress. When  one  was  proposed  in  the  county  of 
Suffolk,  in  1784,  with  a view  to  prevent  the  pay- 
ment of  the  commutation  promised  to  the  officers 
of  the  army,  the  citizens  of  Boston,  Roxbury  and 
some  other  towns  severely  condemned  the  mea- 
sure; choosing  rather  to  submit  to  the  opinion  of 
the  General  Court  on  the  subject,  which  was  the 
only  competent  body,  indeed,  to  decide  upon  it. 


263 


In  three  weeks  after  the  convention  at  Hatfield, 
notwithstanding  its  censure  upon  all  mobs  and  riots, 
J^»00  men,  chietlj  armed,  assembled  at  Northamp- 
ton, the  shire  of  the  county,  and  prevented  the 
sitting  of  the  court  of  Common  Pleas.  They  were 
determined  there  should  be  a suspension  of  the 
regular  processes  of  law:  But  probably  they  had 
no  settled  plan,  as  yet,  to  dispense  with  all  judi- 
cial courts.  On  a representation  of  this  alarming 
outrage,  the  governor  issued  a proclamation,  for- 
bidding all  assemblies  of  the  people  for  unlawful 
purposes,  and  calling  upon  the  officers  of  the  go- 
vernment and  the  good  citizens  of  the  Common- 
wealth, to  aid  in  suppressing  such  dangerous  com- 
binations. The  council  were  not  in  session  at  the 
time ; and  he  consulted  the  attorney  general  and  se- 
nators and  representatives,  the  judges  of  the  court, 
who  were  in  the  vicinity.  The  prudent  procla- 
mation of  the  governor  had  little  effect.  The 
evil  increased  ; the  discontented  became  bold  and 
forward  in  their  censures  upon  the  conduct  of  the 
General  Court,  and  of  the  executive.  The  spirit 
of  misrule  and  insurrection  spread  extensively  and 
rapidly.  In  Worcester,  Middlesex,  Bristol,  and 
Berkshire,  it  threatened  similar  acts  of  disorder 
as  had  been  committed  in  Hampshire. 

The  first  of  September,  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  for  Worcester  county  was  not  suffered  to 
be  opened.  About  300  armed  men  assembled, 
took  possession  of  the  Court  House,  and  would 
not  permit  the  judges  to  enter : and,  soon  after, 
when  the  Supreme  Court  held  a regular  term  at 
Springheld,  the  Insurgents  collected  in  large  num- 
bers, to  prevent  them.  The  govei  nor  was  early  in- 
formed that  they  would  probably  interrupt  the  sit- 


264 


ting  of  this  court,  and  he  ordered  major  general  She- 
pard, commanding  the  division  of  militia  in  that 
county,  to  take  possession  of  the  Court  House,  if 
there  was  just  reason  to  apprehend  any  violent  pro- 
ceedings, on  the  part  of  the  malcontents.  General 
Shepard  collected  600  of  the  militia,  and  prepared 
to  obey  the  order  of  the  Supreme  Executive. 
Many  of  the  officers  and  men  who  joined  him, 
were  very  respectable  for  property  and  informa- 
tion. The  insurgents,  however,  assembled,  on  the 
morning  of  the  day  fixed  for  the  sitting  of  the 
Court,  and  in  greater  numbers  than  it  had  been 
supposed  they  could  collect.  The  principal  and 
most  active  leader  of  the  party  was  captain  Daniel 
Shays,  who  had  been  sometime  an  officer  in  the 
continental  army.  They  appeared  much  disap- 
pointed and  enraged  to  find  the  Court  House  already 
in  possession  of  those,  who  resolved  to  support  the 
authority  of  government.  The  Justices  of  the 
Court  exhibited  great  firmness  on  the  occasion  ; 
refusing  to  receive  any  message  from  the  rioters, 
who  had  requested  that  no  indictments  might  be 
sustained  against  any  of  their  party.  But  the 
alarm  and  anxiety  of  the  citizens  was  so  great, 
that  it  was  concluded  to  adjourn  the  court  on  the 
third  day  of  the  session. 

The  conduct  of  the  insurgents  was  verv  insolent ; 
and  in  some  cases  they  threatened  those  who 
would  not  join  them.  There  w^as  a serious  appre- 
hension, at  one  period,  that  they  would  have  at- 
tacked the  militia  under  general  Shepard.  But 
they  were  probably  convinced  of  his  resolution 
and  bravery,  and  prudently  avoided  a contest. 
His  cond’uct  was  highly  applauded  for  moderation 
and  coolness.  Indeed,  his  object  and  his  orders 


r 


265 


were  to  act  on  the  defensive,  and  to  support  the 
civil  authority.  On  the  fourth  day  after  they  had 
assembled,  the  insurgents  dispersed,  much  to  the 
relief  and  comfort  of  the  good  people  of  Spring- 
field  and  vicinity. 

The  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court  did  not 
consider  it  prudent  to  go  into  the  county  of  Berk- 
shire, at  this  time ; believing  that  it  might  irritate 
the  discontented  part  of  the  people,  and  that  pro- 
bably no  business  could  be  regularly  accomplished. 
The  insurgents  expected  the  Judges  would  come 
into  the  county  to  hold  the  Court,  although  it  had 
been  otherwise  reported;  and  a considerable  num- 
ber of  them  collected,  many  of  them  armed,  in 
the  shire  of  the  county,  with  an  intention  to  pre- 
vent the  sitting  of  the  Court.  Their  behaviour 
was  very  reprehensible;  the  people  were  greatly 
alarmed,  and  some  were  threatened  with  personal 
injury. 

Major  general  Cobb,  of  Bristol  county,  who 
was  also  the  chief  justice  of  the  court  of  common 
pleas,  was  apprehensive  of  violent  proceedings  by 
the  discontented  in  that  quarter;  and  although  he 
bad  received  an  intimation  from  the  governor,* 
that  the  militia  would  not  probably  be  needed  on 
the  occasion,  he  had  ordered  several  companies 
to  appear  at  Taunton,  the  shire  of  the  county,  on 
the  morning  the  Court  was  to  meet.  This  was  a 

* In  the  absence  of  the  Council,  the  governor  consulted 
some  civil  and  military  officers,  on  the  expediency  of  order- 
ing out  the  militia,  both  in  Middlesex  and  Bristol,  to  support 
the  courts,  which,  it  was  apprehended,  would  be  interrupted. 
It  was  hoped  there  would  be  no  opposition,  and  therefore 
the  governor  gave  directions  merely  to  call  out  the  militia  in 
case  of  necessity. 


VOI..  II. 


M 


266 


seasonable  and  judicious  measure.  The  malcon- 
tents appeared  in  greater  numbers  than  the  militia, 
who  had  been  ordered  for  protection  of  the  Court. 
But  the  firm  and  spirited  conduct  of  general  Cobb* 
convinced  them  of  the  extreme  danger  of  their 
enterprise  ; and  they  separated,  without  any  at- 
tempt to  prevent  the  sitting  of  the  Court.  It  was 
decided,  however,  by  the  Court,  that  the  great 
alarm  and  uneasiness  which  prevailed,  rendered  it 
proper  to  adjourn  to  a future  day. 

In  Middlesex,  the  malcontents  succeeded  in  ob- 
structing the  Court.  It  was  believed,  by  many 
respectable  citizens  of  the  county,  that  the  pro- 
clamation of  the  governor,  together  with  the  influ- 
ence of  the  friends  of  order,  would  deter  them 
from  resorting  to  force,  and  prevail  on  them  to 
seek  relief  from  the  legislature.  But  they  were 
mistaken  in  the  favourable  opinion  they  had  form- 
ed of  the  discontented  part  of  the  community. 
The  insurgents  assembled,  and  forbid  the  justices 
to  transact  the  ordinary  business  of  the  Court. 
They  were  not  so  numerous  in  Middlesex  as  in 
Worcester  or  Hampshire  ; but  expecting  they 
would  not  appear  in  forcible  opposition  to  the 
Court,  the  governor  had  not  ordered  out  the 
militia  for  its  protection.  A convention  had  then 
been  lately  holden  in  the  county,  but  it  was  not 
attended  by  delegates  from  a majority  of  the 
towns ; nor  did  it  complain  of  all  the  measures  of 
government,  which  had  been  censured  at  similar 
meetings,  in  other  parts  of  the  Commonwealth. 

* He  approached  the  insurgents,  and  declared  to  them, 
“ that  he  would  sit  as  a judge,  or  die  as  a general.”  They 
knew  his  character  too  well  to  think  of  intimidating  him. 


267 


But  there  were  some  persons  in  Middlesex  who 
openly  avowed  the  most  disorganizing  sentiments, 
and  whom  nothing  but  fear  could  deter  from  vio- 
lent proceedings. 

The  General  Court  met  the  last  of  September, 
-in  obedience  to  a special  summons  from  the  go- 
vernor, to  consult  on  measures  for  allaying  the  dis- 
contents of  the  people,  and  maintaining  the  dignity 
of  the  laws.  The  governor  gave  a full  and  faith- 
ful statement  of  the  recent  proceedings  of  the 
malcontents  in  different  parts  of  the  Common- 
wealth, and  of  the  measures  which  he  had  pursued 
in  relation  to  them.  He  gave  a decided  opinion  in 
favour  of  some  efficient  measures  to  restore  tran- 
quillity, and  to  support  the  authority  of  govern- 
ment ; while,  at  the  same  time,  he  expressed  a 
desire  that  all  suitable  forbearance  and  relief 
should  be  extended  to  the  people,  under  their 
heavy  burdens.  He  expressly  condemned  the  con- 
duct of  the  insurgents,  in  the  manner  they  were 
seeking  redress,  whatever  might  be  their  suffier- 
ings,  by  forcible  opposition  to  constitutional  autho- 
rity ; and  pointed  out  the  regular  mode  for  obtain- 
ing relief  by  application  to  the  legislature.  All 
that  was  proper  in  the  executive,  he  had  done, 
with  great  promptness  and  decision  ; and  he  was 
aware  of  the  propriety,  in  a free  government,  of 
having  the  immediate  representatives  of  the  peo- 
ple devise  means  for  preserving  order  in  the  Com- 
monwealth, and  furnishing  such  redress  as  the  exi- 
gency required,  or  the  condition  of  the  state  would 
admit. 

The  General  Court  censured  the  irregular  and 
violent  conduct  of  the  insurgents ; and  the  majori- 
ty were  disposed  to  make  all  suitable  provisions 


268 


for  giving  due  strength  to  the  arm  of  government. 
They  passed  a law  against  all  riots  and  unlawful 
assemblies;  and,  after  some  discussion  and  some 
opposition,  suspended  the  privilege  of  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  for  eight  months.  While  they  were 
in  session,  on  a report  that  the  discontented  would 
probably  attempt  to  obstruct  the  sitting  of  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  in  the  county  of  Bristol,  they 
made  a particular  request  to  the  governor  and 
council,  to  give  orders  to  the  major  general  of  that 
division  to  be  in  readiness,  with  the  militia,  to  pro- 
tect the  judges  in  their  official  duty.* 

This  was  a great  relief  to  the  governor ; for 
there  w^as  a disposition  manifested  by  a portion  of 
the  citizens,  to  represent  his  firmness  as  severity, 
and  to  charge  him  with  a w^ant  of  feeling  for  the 
distresses  of  the  people.  But  proof  was  thus  af- 
forded, that  all  branches  of  the  legislature  were 
alarmed  at  the  violent  proceedings  of  the  insur- 
gents, and  were  united  in  support  of  the  constitut- 
ed authorities  of  the  state. 

The  discontented,  who  were  opposed  to  the  sit- 
ting of  the  Supreme  Court  in  the  county  of  Bris- 
tol, again  assembled,  and  most  of  them  with  fire 
arms  ; but  the  promptitude  and  resolution  of  the 
major  general,  as  on  a former  occasion,  when  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  convened,  obliged  them  to 
disperse.  1 1 Avas  proof  of  great  lenity  in  government, 
as  this  was  a second  design,  by  force,  to  interrupt 
the  regular  course  of  justice,  that  the  leaders  were 
not  immediately  seized  and  punished;  or  confined, 

* This  request  was  made  by  a joint  committee  of  the  Ge- 
neral Court,  consisting  of  S.  Adams,  J.  Brooks,  D.  Davis  and 
T.  Dalton,  who  personally  waited  on  the  executive  for  the 
purpose. 


269 


as  an  inducement  to  others  to  cease  their  oppo- 
sition. 

Several  acts  were  passed,  at  this  session,  for  the 
immediate  relief  of  the  people  ; some  of  which 
could  not  have  been  considered  proper,  except  in 
the  existing  state  of  the  country,  which  required 
all  possible  indulgence.  Indeed,  if  every  thing 
was  not  done  for  the  alleviation  of  the  burdens  of 
the  people,  which  they  expected  or  desired,  it 
was  because  a supreme  regal’d  to  justice,  to  order, 
and  to  constitutional  principles,  forbid.  The  legis- 
lature could  not  annihilate  the  debt  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, nor  dispense  entirely  with  the  collection 
of  the  taxes  laid  to  discharge  it.  They  could  only 
provide  for  deferring  a part  to  a future  day  ; and 
allow  the  people  to  pay  in  such  articles  as  their 
farms  and  their  occupation  would  command. 

They  accordingly  passed  acts  for  lessening  the 
expenses  of  suits  at  law  ; for  allowing  the  debtor  to 
discharge  executions  by  real  or  personal  estate. 
Provision  was  also  made  for  paying  a part  of  the 
state  tax  in  specific  articles,  instead  of  specie.  A 
part  of  the  revenue  arising  from  excise  and  im- 
posts, though  formerly  pledged  for  the  payment  of 
interest  on  the  debt  of  the  state  to  officers  of  the 
late  army,  and  to  those  who  had  loaned  their  mo- 
ney to  the  Commonwealth,  was  appropriated  to  the 
support  of  government ; by  which  the  necessity 
for  collecting  the  direct  tax  would  be  less  urgent. 
And  all  who  would  appear  before  some  magistrate 
of  the  county  in  which  they  resided,  acknowl- 
edging the  impropriety  of  all  forcible  opposition 
to  government,  and  taking  an  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  Commonwealth,  and  an  oath  to  support  the 
constitution  and  the  laws,  were  to  receive  a full 
pardon  and  restored  to  the  rights  of  citizenship. 


270 


An  address  to  the  people  was  likewise  prepared 
and  published  by  the  two  houses  of  assembly,  in 
which  a statement  was  made  of  the  public  debt,  of 
the  particular  object  and  appropriation  of  the  taxes, 
and  of  the  requisitions  of  Congress.  The  people 
were  solemnly  urged  to  consider  the  fatal  conse- 
quences of  a repetition  of  such  irregular  proceed- 
ings, as  had  taken  place  in  several  counties ; and 
to  make  an  effort,  by  great  frugality  and  economy, 
to  lessen  the  amount  both  of  public  and  private 
debts.  They  Avere  assured,  that  the  legislature 
was  fully  disposed  to  afford  all  relief  and  indul- 
gence, consistent  with  good  faith  and  with  a just 
regard  to  constitutional  principles  ; but  that  those 
Avho  continued  to  oppose  the  wholesome  laws  of 
the  state  and  the  regular  course  of  justice  would 
be  treated  as  rebels  against  the  Commonwealth. 

An  agreement  was  made,  at  this  period,  by  a 
number  of  the  most  respectable  characters  in  the 
state,  to  discourage  the  use  and  importation  of 
foreign  goods ; to  wear  domestic  cloths ; and  in 
other  ways,  to  encourage  economy  and  industry. 
The  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  scA^eral  mem- 
bers of  the  council  and  senate,  and  many  other  per- 
sons of  wealth  and  influence  joined  the  association. 
Much  of  the  distress  of  the  times  was  owing  to  an 
extravagant  use  of  foreign  articles,  which  com- 
manded a great  price,  and  by  means  of  which,  the 
specie,  which  should  have  been  applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  taxes  and  common  debts,  was  sent  out  of 
the  state. 

While  the  legislature  was  in  session,  and  in  the 
early  part  of  November,  it  was  apprehended,  from 
the  movements  of  some  malcontents  in  the  north- 
ern parts  of  the  county  of  Middlesex,  that  they 


271 


would  attempt  to  interrupt  the  usual  sitting  of  the 
Supreme  Court  in  Cambridge.  As  in  the  case  of 
Bristol  county,  a short  time  before,  the  senate  and 
house  made  a particular  application  to  the  gover- 
nor to  issue  orders  to  the  major  general  of  the  mi- 
litia of  the  third  division,  to  be  prepared  with  a 
sufficient  force  to  afford  such  protection  to  the 
Court  as  might  be  necessary.  Orders  were  ac- 
cordingly given  to  major  general  Brooks,  command- 
ing officer  of  the  militia  in  Middlesex,  to  make  his 
arrangements  for  calling  out  several  regiments  on 
the  occasion.  Two  regiments  were  also  detached, 
from  Essex  and  the  same  number  from  Suffolk,  to 
be  in  readiness  for  marching  to  Cambridge,  if  they 
should  be  required. 

The  insurgents  were  too  prudent  to  appear  at 
Cambridge,  at  the  meeting  of  the  court,  when  they 
learned  how  powerful  and  resolute  the  friends  of 
government  were  in  tliat  vicinity.  The  whole 
number  of  militia,  to  be  called  out  on  this  occasion 
were  to  be  under  the  immediate  command  of  ge- 
neral Brooks,  in  whose  great  prudence  and  firm- 
ness, the  governor  and  legislature  had  the  most 
perfect  confidence.  The  distant  troops,  which  had 
been  detached,  were  not  ordered  out,  as  it  was  be- 
lieved a few  regiments  would  be  sufficient  to  pro- 
tect the  court.  Such  was  the  abhorrence  of  the 
conduct  of  the  insurgents,  and  such  the  disposition 
to  support  the  government,  among  the  citizens  of 
Suffolk,  Essex,  and  a great  part  of  Middlesex,  that 
the  whole  of  the  militia,  which  had  been  detach- 
ed, were  prepared  to  march  to  Cambridge  ; but 
only  three  regiments  and  four  artillery  companies 
in  Middlesex ; two  independent  companies  and 


272 


two  companies  of  artillery  from  Boston  were  re- 
quired to  appear. 

The  militia,  which  was  assembled,  made  a fine 
appearance,  under  their  excellent  commander;  and 
were  reviewed  by  the  governor,  who  was  attended 
by  the  council  and  many  members  of  the  legisla- 
ture. The  commander  in  chief  made  an  aniniated 
address  to  them,  on  the  occasion,  in  which  he  ap- 
plauded them  for  the  zeal  they  had  manifested  in 
the  support  of  government.  A favourable  efiect 
was  produced  by  this  promptness  and  alacrity  in 
the  militia ; and  the  friends  of  order  felt  a confi- 
dence, that,  whatever  might  be  the  designs  or  the 
conduct  of  a few  deluded  or  desperate  characters, 
the  great  body  of  the  people  had  a just  regard  for 
the  constitution  and  the  laws. 

The  General  Court  was  prorogued  early  in  No- 
vember, after  a session  of  six  weeks  faithfully  and 
assiduously  devoted  to  consultations  and  the  adop- 
tion of  measures  for  the  welfare  of  the  state  : and 
when  they  separated,  it  was  with  a strong  belief, 
that  the  people  would  not  again  appear  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  lawful  authority  of  the  government. 
But  there  was  a large  portion  of  the  citizens  so  in- 
fatuated and  so  much  under  the  influence  of  a few 
desperate,  unprincipled  characters,  that,  soon  after 
the  legislature  had  closed  its  session,  they  held 
meetings  in  some  of  the  western  counties  at 
which  they  censured  the  measures  recently  adopt- 
ed by  their  own  representatives,  and  resolved  to 
prevent  the  regular  execution  of  the  laws  of  the 
state.  A daring  spirit  was  manifested,  threatening 

^ One  was  holden  at  Hadley  in  Hampshire  county,  and  one 
at  Worcester  in  the  former  part  of  the  month  of  November. 


273 


forcible  opposition  to  government ; and  the  peo- 
ple were  publicly  addressed  by  unauthorised  in- 
dividuals, with  the  design  to  inflame  and  mislead 
them,  and  to  induce  them  to  arm  themselves 
against  the  lawful  authority  of  the  Commonwealth. 
It  is  hardly  possible  they  could  have  promised 
themselves  success  in  their  rebellious  projects ; and 
yet  they  sometimes  discovered  a boldness  and  a 
confidence,  which  usually  inspire  those  who  are  en- 
gaged in  a righteous  cause.  There  were  very  few 
men  of  respectability  or  property,  however,  who 
countenanced  these  irregular  proceedings ; and 
many  who  attended  the  conventions  were  seeking 
relief,  in  their  own  opinions,  only  in  a reasonable 
manner,  without  intending  any  forcible  resistance 
to  the  civil  authority. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  holding  the  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  peace,  for  the  county  of 
Worcester,  towards  the  close  of  November,  a 
number  of  the  discontented  citizens  appeared,  and 
prevented  the  justices  from  transacting  the  usual 
business  of  the  court.  This  was  not  a very  large 
body ; and  had  any  opposition  to  the  sitting  of  the 
court,  at  this  time,  been  expected,  it  might  have 
been  easily  suppressed  by  the  militia  in  the  vicini- 
ty. The  malcontents  complained  that  the  legis- 
lature had  not  complied  with  all  their  requests ; 
and  some  of  them  appeared  actuated  by  the  belief, 
that  they  owed  no  other  obedience  to  government, 
but  in  so  far  as  they  might  approve  of  its  mea- 
sures, and  that  they  might  dispense  with  any  laws, 
which  were  obnoxious  to  them,  at  their  pleasure. 
Very  few,  probably,  would  have  openly  avowed 
such  dangerous  opinions. 

Such  was  the  conduct  of  the  insurgentsat  Worces- 
vor„  H.  33 


274 


ter,  and  some  other  parts  of  the  state,  particularly 
in  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Middlesex,  at 
this  time,  that  the  governor  considered  it  his  indis- 
pensible  duty  to  adopt  some  decisive  measures ; 
and  to  show  to  that  deluded  portion  of  the  people, 
who  seemed  still  determined  to  obstruct  the  regu- 
lar course  of  the  laws,  that  the  legal  guardians  of 
the  public  Avelfare  would  not  be  silent  spectators 
of  such  outrages.  He  issued  a general  order,  as 
commander  in  chief  of  the  militia  of  the  Common- 
wealth, calling  upon  the  several  major  generals 
through  the  state,  to  see  that  the  men  belonging 
to  their  respective  divisions  were  equipped,  and 
ready  to  obey  any  sudden  call  for  the  public  service. 

The  discontented  still  complained  loudly  against 
the  conduct  of  the  legislature,  and  accused  them 
“of  being  oppressive,  or  insensible  to  the  distresses 
of  their  constituents  and  declared  their  intention 
“ to  seek  redress  of  their  grievances  in  any  way 
which  was  practicable.”  The  governor  was  con- 
vinced that  the  period  had  arrived,  when  it  was  to 
be  decided,  whether  the  just  authority  of  govern- 
ment was  to  be  maintained ; or  whether  a lawless 
force  was  to  be  suffered  to  prevail  over  all  order, 
justice,  and  the  constitution.  And  with  the  wisdom 
and  firmness,  for  which  he  was  always  distinguish- 
ed, he  immediately  resolved  to  make  use  of  all  the 
legal  and  just  authority,  with  which  he  was  cloth- 
ed, to  crush  this  daring  and  alarming  insurrection. 

But  the  malcontents  were  not  deterred,  by  this 
prompt  and  decided  step  in  the  governor,  from 
continuing  their  open  and  forcible  opposition  to  the 
regular  authority  of  the  state.  Their  leaders 
probably  now  expected  a severe  punishment ; and 
there  was  no  doubt  of  a secret  correspondence  be- 


tween  them,  by  which  they  encouraged  one  another 
to  pursue  the  course  they  had  begun.  They  were, 
probably,  deceived  as  to  the  numbers  who  would 
eventually  join  them  in  their  opposition  to  govern- 
ment. They  hoped  to  become  sufficiently  powerful, 
to  secure  their  own  pardon  from  the  civil  authority, 
and  to  dictate  to  the  General  Court  such  favoura- 
ble measures  as  would  afford  relief,  without  a total 
prostration  of  law  and  order,  though  this  was  the 
issue  to  which  their  conduct  directly  tended.  Many 
who  complained,  and  who  attended  the  first  con- 
ventions, were  afterwards  convinced  of  their  er- 
rors, and  had  no  further  intercourse  with  the  insur- 
gents. 

A regular  term  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas 
was  to  be  holden  at  Cambridge,  for  the  county  of 
Middlesex,  early  in  December ; and  it  was  propos- 
ed by  the  governor,  to  call  out'  the  militia  for  its 
protection.  Several  regiments  were  ordered  to 
be  in  preparation  to  march  to  that  place,  if  requir- 
ed. But  some  individuals  in  Middlesex  undertook 
to  promise  the  discontented,  that,  if  they  were 
quiet,  the  militia  would  not  be  ordered  to  march. 
The  governor  received  intelligence  of  this  pro- 
mise, and  believing  that  no  attempts  would  be 
made  to  obstruct  the  court,  did  not  call  out  the 
militia;  for  he  was  unwilling  to  cause  any  unne- 
cessary expense  to  the  state,  or  to  give  needless 
irritation  to  the  discontented. 

But  a number  of  the  malcontents  collected  at 
Concord,  with  a hope  of  meeting  others  from 
Bristol,  Worcester,  and  Hampshire,  and  with  a 
plan  to  proceed  to  Cambridge  to  prevent  the  sit- 
ting of  the  court.  There  was  evidence,  that  an 
effort  had  been  made,  notwithstanding  the  agree- 


276 


ment  before  mentioned,  to  assemble  a large  body 
of  the  citizens  from  distant  places,  to  dictate  mea- 
sures to  the  executive,  and  to  suspend,  for  some 
lime  at  least,  the  usual  process  of  law.  But  in  the 
county  of  Bristol,  the  opposition  had,  in  some  mea- 
sure, ceased,  in  consequence  of  the  late  acts  of  the 
General  Court,  designed  for  the  relief  of  the  people. 
In  the  more  western  parts  of  the  state,  also,  some 
who  had  censured  the  measures  of  government, 
were  hesitating  as  to  the  propriety  or  prudence  of 
further  opposition.  From  the  county  of  Worces- 
ter, some  of  the  malcontents  resolved  to  join  those 
in  Middlesex,  as  invited,  and  proceeded  a part  of 
the  distance ; but  from  some  cause,  did  not  prose- 
cute the  undertaking. 

This  renewed  act  of  insurrection,  even  after  the 
lenient  measures  of  the  legislature,  and  the  for- 
bearance of  the  governor,  justly  exposed  the 
leaders  to  the  displeasure  of  the  executive ; and 
warrants  were  accordingly  issued  against  several 
persons  in  Middlesex,  who  Avere  the  most  active 
in  preventing  the  sitting  of  the  court,  and  in  ex- 
citing the  people  to  oppose  the  authority  of  go- 
vernment. Their  conduct  was  most  dangerous  to 
the  welfare  of  the  state  ; and  by  virtue  of  a late 
law,  suspending  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  the  ex- 
ecutive ordered  them  to  be  apprehended,  and  to  be 
committed  to  prison,  to  take  their  trial  before  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court.  The  sheriff  of  Middle- 
sex, a man  of  great  resolution  and  firmness,  Avas 
charged  with  the  execution  of  this  unpleasant 
duty.  But  he  Avas  assisted  by  several  gentlemen 
of  the  county,  and  a company  of  cavalry  from 
Boston,  who  volunteered  their  services  on  this  oc- 
casion, in  support  of  the  government.  A party  of 


277 


the  citizens  of  Groton,  in  that  county,  also,  readily 
joined  the  sheriff  in  this  expedition.  Three  of  the 
principal  insurgents,  belonging  to  the  county  of 
Middlesex,  were  apprehended  by  the  sheriff  and 
his  party ; one  of  them,  however,  and  that  the 
most  obnoxious  to  government,  was  not  taken,  till 
after  a long  pursuit,  and  a personal  rencontre  with 
one  of  the  cavalry,  in  which  the  former  was  badly 
wounded.  The  persons  who  were  apprehended 
on  the  warrants  of  the  governor,  were  conveyed 
to  Boston,  and  lodged  in  Suffolk  jail. 

A party  of  horse,  from  the  town  of  Roxbury, 
consisting  of  about  forty,  were  sent  into  the  county 
of  Worcester,  at  the  same  time  the  sheriff  of 
Middlesex  and  his  party  Avent  in  pursuit  of  the 
insurgents  in  this  latter  county.  They  were  not 
furnished  with  warrants,  nor  authorized  to  appre- 
hend any  individuals  ; but  were  instructed  to  visit 
the  shire  of  the  county,  and  some  other  towns,  to 
obtain  information  as  to  the  plans  and  movements  of 
the  insurgents.  Soon  after  the  return  of  this  party, 
the  governor  was  informed  that  the  insurgents 
were  still  collected  in  a large  body,  in  that  county, 
and  would  probably  attempt  to  obstruct  the  sitting 
of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  ; a regular  term  of 
which  was  then  soon  to  be  holden.  A number  of 
the  malcontents,  as  Avas  apprehended,  assembled 
in  Worcester,  on  the  first  day  of  the  court ; but 
the  militia  and  other  citizens  of  that  toAvn,  amount- 
ing to  about  tAVo  hundred,  appeared  under  arms, 
near  the  Court  House,  on  the  side  of  government; 
and  no  attempt  was  made  by  the  rioters  to  ob- 
struct the  court.  The  judges,  hoAvever,  did  not 
proceed  to  business,  having  received  advice  from 
the  governor  to  adjourn  to  a future  day.  This 


278 


was  in  pursuance  of  a plan  to  postpone  the  courts 
for  a few  months,  with  a view  to  remove  even 
the  pretended  causes  of  complaint,  and  to  decide 
on  a system  of  conduct,  proper  to  be  pursued 
with  efficiency,  for  the  support  of  government, 
and  the  entire  suppression  of  such  a daring  insur- 
rection. 

In  the  meantime,  the  insurgents  collected  from 
different  parts  of  the  county  of  Worcester,  and 
some  from  the  more  western  parts  of  the  state  ; 
and  the  day  after  the  adjournment  of  the  court, 
although  the  weather  was  uncommonly  severe, 
and  the  travelling  much  impeded  by  a heavy  fall 
of  snow,  they  were  estimated  at  one  thousand. 
They  placed  guards  at  the  houses  where  the 
judges  resided,  who  still  remained  in  the  town  ; 
and  they  billeted  themselves  upon  the  inhabitants; 
and  yet,  in  other  respects,  their  conduct  was  not 
marked  by  any  peculiar  degree  of  injury  or  inso- 
lence towards  the  citizens. 

In  the  county  of  Hampshire,  also,  a number  of 
the  malcontents  were  embodied  under  arms,  and 
manifested  a disposition  to  seek  redress  by  force, 
for  their  pretended  grievances.  An  address  to  . 
the  people  assembled  in  this  hostile  manner,  and 
one  purporting  to  be  from  their  leaders,  to  the 
public,  appeared  in  the  newspaper  printed  in  that 
county  ; from  which  it  was  evident,  that  their 
great  dissatisfaction  with  the  late  measures  of  the 
General  Court  still  continued,  and  that  they  were 
so  much  under  the  influence  of  prejudice  and 
error,  as  to  expect  to  obtain  the  object  of  their 
wishes  by  a change  of  government,  or  by  compell- 
ing the  legislature  to  a compliance  with  all  their 
requests.  The  lenity  of  government  served  only 


279 


to  embolden  some  of  them  in  the  prosecution  of 
their  dangerous  plans.  They  unjustly  accused  it 
of  severity,  in  its  declarations  of  a purpose  to 
punish  such  as  continued  their  opposition  ; and,  at 
the  same  time,  by  a strange  perversion,  construed 
its  past  forbearance  and  lenity  into  weakness  or 
fear.  They  had  neglected  seasonably  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  clemency  of  the  supreme  au- 
thority of  the  state ; and  they  seemed  now  to  set 
its  power  at  open  defiance.  This,  indeed,  was 
the  case  with  only  a part  of  the  malcontents ; for 
many  lamented  the  part  they  had  taken,  and 
were  desirous  of  witlidrawing  from  the  conspiracy 
against  the  public  peace,  could  they  have  done  it 
without  subjecting  themselves  to  the  vengeance 
of  their  more  daring  and  inconsiderate  compa- 
nions. 

The  forbearance  of  the  executive  was  justly  to 
be  attributed  to  a hope  that  reflexion  would  in- 
duce the  malcontents  to  desist  from  their  disor- 
ganizing plans,  and  to  a strong  desire  that  the  mild 
measures  already  pursued,  would  effect  wdiat 
otherwise  must  be  attempted  by  a military  force. 
But  such  a hope  was  weakened  by  the  lapse  of 
every  succeeding  week  and  day,  which  brought 
new  proofs  of  the  dangerous  views  and  intentions 
of  the  Insurgents,  and  served  to  convince  the 
friends  of  government  that  a resort  must  speedily 
be  had  to  the  strong  arm  of  power,  to  prevent 
the  final  triumph  of  anarchy  and  misrule.  So 
bold  and  so  Infatuated  w^ere  some  of  the  insur- 
gents, that  they  proposed  to  collect  all  their  force, 
and  march  to  the  capital,  to  liberate  those  who 
had  been  there  lately  confined.  What  other 
objects  they  contemplated,  were  not  disclosed ; 


280 


but  it  was  necessary  to  place  the  militia  in  a state 
of  preparation,  to  prevent  such  a desperate  under- 
taking. Whether  the  majority  of  the  malcon- 
tents ever  deliberately  agreed  upon  such  a plan, 
is  difficult  to  decide ; for  they  generally  acted 
with  little  concert  or  system  ; and  if  they  had 
formed  any  plans,  they  were  such  as  their  situa- 
tion or  their  fears  induced  them  to  adopt,  without 
much  previous  consideration. 

There  was,  however,  so  much  anxiety  and  alarm, 
that  the  executive  directed  major  general  Lincoln, 
commanding  the  militia  of  the  first  division,  to 
issue  orders  for  the  protection  of  the  capital,  and 
to  provide  for  obtaining  early  information,  as  to 
the  movements  of  the  insurgents.  Major  general 
Brooks  was  also  instructed  to  have  the  militia  of 
Middlesex  in  a condition  to  march  at  the  shortest 
notice,  to  meet  them  on  their  approach  to  the  me- 
tropolis, should  they  attempt  it. 

General  Lincoln  immediately  issued  orders  for 
the  militia  of  Boston,  and  some  other  parts  of  Suf- 
folk, to  be  in  readiness  to  defend  it ; assigned  several 
military  corps  their  respective  stations ; and  gave 
directions  for  an  alarm  to  be  given,  by  the  firing 
of  cannon  on  Fort  hill  in  Boston,  if  the  insurgents 
should  be  hardy  enough  to  approach  that  place. 

No  attempt,  however;  was  made  to  march  to 
Boston,  for  the  rescue  of  the  prisoners ; and  the 
insurgents  left  the  town  of  Worcester  after  a few 
days,  finding  it  difficult  to  obtain  the  means  of  sub- 
sistence. A small  portion  of  them  returned  to 
their  houses;  but  not,  generally,  with  any  just  con- 
viction of  the  great  criminality  of  their  conduct, 
or  with  a full  determination  to  forbear  all  further 
opposition  to  government.  A considerable  number 


281 


of  them,  with  Shajs,  their  leader,  repaired  to  Rut- 
land, a distance  of  about  twelve  miles,  and  took 
shelter  in  some  old  barracks,  which  had  been  erect- 
. ed  during  the  war  of  the  revolution.  They  suf- 
fered exceedingly  from  the  severity  of  the  weath- 
er, it  being  about  the  middle  of  December,  as  well 
as  from  the  want  of  provisions : and  it  was  re- 
ported, that  at  that  period,  several  even  of  the 
most  active  among  tiiem,  lamented  the  part  they 
had  acted.  But  it  Vvas  now  too  late  to  claim  the 
pardon,  which  the  General  Court  had  olfered  two 
months  before,  as  the  insurgents  had  continued  in 
arms  against  the  government,  instead  of  submitting 
to  its  authority  and  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  state,  the  conditions,  on  which  forgive- 
ness had  been  promised  to  them.  There  was,  in- 
deed, reason  to  believe,  that  Shays  made  informal 
intimations  to  the  executive,  that  he  would  aban- 
don his  plans  and  his  companions,  on  the  assurance 
of  pardon.  All  that  the  governor  and  council 
could  j)romise  was  an  act  of  clemency,  on  his  sur- 
rendering himself,  should  he  be  convicted  by  the 
Supreme  Court.  But  there  is  no  evidence,  that 
the  promise,  if  made,  was  ever  communicated  to 
him..  Little  reliance  could  be  placed  in  an  engage- 
ment of  the  Insurgent  chief,  thus  informally  made. 
Many  of  the  party  had  discovered  no  intention  to 
adhere  to  their  promises,  further  than  their  im- 
mediate interest  was  concerned.  It  would  have 
been  easy  for  Shays,  afterwards,  to  declare  that  he 
had  authorised  no  such  engagement ; nor  wmuld  it 
have  been  proper  in  the  executive,  except  in  a 
case  of  most  direct  and  explicit  offer  on  the  part 
of  the  insurgents,  to  give  assurances  of  an  act  of 
oblivion  for  such  dangerous  conduct.  The  exectr* 
VOL.  II.  36 


282 


tive  was  disposed,  no  doubt,  to  exercise  all  the  le- 
nity towards  individuals,  which  was  consistent  with 
the  authority  of  government  and  the  welfare  of  so- 
ciety ; and  they  might  have  been  satisfied,  that,  by 
detaching  the  leaders,  the  rest  of  the  citizens,  who 
had  appeared  in  arms,  would  soon'and  peaceably  re- 
tire to  their  respective  homes.  It  is  certain,  how- 
ever, that  in  a government  like  ours,  the  execu- 
tive could  not  justly  give  an  absolute  assurance  of 
pardon  : and  it  Is  also  to  be  considered,  that  if  the 
leaders  of  the  insurrection  were  sincerely  resolved 
to  refrain  from  all  further  opposition,  it  was  their 
duty  quietly  to  disperse,  and  to  trust  to  the  mercy 
of  government,  of  whose  clemency  they  had  the 
strongest  proofs. 

But  many  of  the  insurgents,  it  is  probable,  from 
their  conduct,  still  had  hope  of  prevailing  on  go- 
vernment, by  threats  and  by  force,  to  grant  their 
demands  ; and  concluded  likewise,  that  they  had 
already  proceeded  too  far  to  expect  full  indemnity 
for  their  crimes,  and  that  their  only  prospect  of 
personal  safety  was  in  the  success  of  their  opposi- 
tion. They  continued  to  complain  of  the  legisla- 
ture, to  threaten  the  officers  of  government,  and  to 
oppose  the  regular  administration  of  the  laws.  The 
court  in  Hampshire  county  when  they  met  at 
Springfield  two  months  before,  had  adjourned  to 
the  latter  part  of  December.  Shays  and  his  party- 
proceeded  to  that  place,  the  day  preceding  that 
appointed  for  the  sitting  of  the  court ; where 
others  joined  his  standard,  to  the  number  of  three 
hundred.  The  governor  had  provided  no  military 
support  for  the  court,  either  hoping  that  the  mal- 
contents would  not  again  appear  in  arms,  or  waiting 
for  such  movements  on  their  part,  as  fully  to  justi- 


283 


fy  more  decisive  and  energetic  measures.  The 
court-house  was  illegally  and  forcibly  occupied  by 
the  insurgents.  They  presented  a paper  to  the 
judges,  which  purported  to  be  a petition,  but  in 
which  they  clearly  expressed  their  intention  that 
the  court  should  not  transact  any  business.  The 
judges  were  without  protection,  and  concluded  not 
to  open  the  court. 

The  dispute  which  had  long  existed  between  the 
Commonwealth  and  the  state  of  New  York,  with 
regard  to  the  claim  of  Massachusetts  to  a part  of 
the  territory  west  of  Hudson  river,  was  this  year 
brought  to  an  amicable  termination.  The  settle- 
ment, however,  was  not  completed  without  long  dis- 
cussion and  much  difficulty.  New  York,  at  first, 
denied  entirely  the  right  of  Massachusetts  to  any 
lands  west  of  that  river  ; and  claimed  the  territory 
as  far  w^est  as  the  United  States  extended,  till  it 
interfered  with  the  British  possessions  : while  Mas- 
sachusetts laid  claim  to  all  that  tract  of  land,  be- 
yond a certain  distance  west  of  the  Hudson,  and 
clearly  within  the  early  patent  of  New  York,  and 
lying  between  the  southern  and  northern  limits  of 
the  patent  of  Massachusetts  bay ; wdiich  extended 
in  a western  direction  to  the  extreme  part  of  the 
United  States,  as  settled  by  the  treaty  of  1783. 

The  subject  >vas  referred  to  Congress  in  1784, 
by  agents  from  the  states  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  York,  who  were  particularly  authorised  for 
the  purpose.  Congress  appointed  commissioners  to 
hear  the  respective  claims  and  to  settle  the  contro- 
versy. They  had  several  meetings,  by  the  name 
of  a “ federal  court but  their  deliberations  re- 
sulted in  no  opinion  satisfactory  to  the  parties. 
The  agents  of  the  two  states  met  at  Hartford  in 


284 


Connecticut,  December,  1786 ; and  dnallj  agreedy 
that  Massachusetts  should  have  the  preemp- 
tive right  to  two  large  tracts  of  lan(J,  within  the 
bounds  it  claimed,  being  in  the  whole  about  five 
millions  of  acres;  two  hundred  and  thirty  thousand 
of  which  were  situated  near  the  centre  of  tfie  state 
of  New  York,  and  the  other,  a larger  tract,  in  the 
more  western  part  of  the  state,  bordering  on  lake 
Erie;  the  jurisdiction  over  the  whole,  however,  to 
be  in  New  York.  And  all  the  residue  claimed  by 
Massachusetts  was  ceded  and  relinquished  to  New 
York  forever;  excepting  the  most  western  part  of 
the  original  claim  of  Massachusetts,  west  of  the 
lake  and  within  the  southern  and  northern  bounda- 
ries before  mentioned,  which  had  been  previously 
granted  and  ceded  to  Congress,  and  formed  a part 
of  the  northern  and  western  territory  of  the  Unit- 
ed States,  bordering  on  the  British  possessions. 
These  lands  in  New  York  were  sold  in  J787,  and 
brought  into  the  public  treasury  of  the  state  one 
million  of  dollars.  About  this  time,  Congress  sold 
a great  part  of  the  public  land  within  the  north- 
western territory  which  had  been  ceded  by  seve- 
ral  states,  which  enabled  them  to  pay  off  a large 
part  of  the  continental  debt. 

The  following  year  (1787)  the  dispute,  which 
had  long  existed  between  Massachusetts  and  New 
York,  respecting  the  boundary  line  between  the 
two  states,  was  also  finally  adjusted.  This  line 
had  never  been  precisely  fixed ; and  contests  were 
frequently  occuring  between  the  citizens  of  these 
states,  living  on  and  near  the  supposed  bounds. 
There  had  been  various  attempts  to  ascertain  the 
line  before  the  revolution.  In  1773,  commission- 
ers from  both  those  provinces  had  agreed  to  the 


285 


principles,  on  which  the  bounds  should  be  settled, 
and  it  was  actually  run  to  the  satisl’action  of  both 
governments.  But  the  war  took  place  before  the 
agreement  received  the  necessary  sanction  of  the 
king;  and  on  the  return  of  peace,  the  subject  was 
again  agitated  with  great  interest.  Skilful  mathe- 
maticians and  the  geographer  of  the  United  States, 
with  the  consent  of  Congress,  were  employed  to  as- 
certain and  fix  the  line  between  the  two  states, 
which  had  become  more  difficult  to  settle,  on  ac- 
count of  the  new  settlements  made  and  interfering 
claims  set  up  by  individuals  in  each  government. 
The  controversy  was  finally  adjusted  conformably, 
in  a great  measure,  to  the  agreement  made,  four- 
teen years  before. 


28() 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


Measures  adopted  to  quell  the  Insurrection  . . . General  Lincoln  commands 
the  Militia  ...  Marches  to  Worcester ...  Insurgents  retire,  but  collect 
at  Springfield,  fired  upon  by  General  Shepard  . . . Pursued  by  Lincoln . . . 
Posted  at  Pelham  . . . General  Court  meet  and  approve  of  the  conduct  of 
the  governor  . . . Rebellion  declared  . . . Shays  marches  to  Petersham  . , . 
Surprised  and  dispersed  by  general  Lincoln  . . . His  conduct  approved  . . . 
Insurgents  in  Berkshire  subdued ...  Commissioners  appointed  to  grant 
pardons  . . . Several  convicted  of  treason  by  Supreme  Court. 

When  the  governor  received  intelligence  of  the 
conduct  of  the  insurgents,  in  again  obstructing  the 
court  in  Hampshire  by  force,  and  that  there  was  a 
meditated  plan  to  interrupt  it  in  the  county  of  Wor- 
cester, where  it  was  to  be  holden  in  a few  weeks, 
he  was  satisfied  of  the  necessity  of  calling  upon 
the  militia  to  suppress  the  rebellion,  as  it  might 
now  be  justly  called ; and  to  apprehend  the  lead- 
ers of  this  dangerous  opposition,  as  the  only  means 
of  safety  to  the  Commonwealth.  He  consulted 
the  council  on  this  important  subject,  and  they  ad- 
vised to  the  course,  which  he  suggested.  The 
constitution,  indeed,  gave  power  to  the  governor  to 
provide  for  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  state 
against  all  hostile  attacks  and  dangerous  combina- 
tions ; and  the  General  Court,  at  its  late  extra  ses- 
sion, had  expressed  an  opinion,  that  the  militia 
should  be  called  out,  whenever  the  public  exigen- 
cies might  require  such  a measure.  But  it  was 


287 


both  still  the  duty  and  the  wish  of  the  governor 
to  have  the  opinion  of  the  council  in  a situation  so 
novel  and  responsible. 

It  was  certainly  most  fortunate  for  the  state, 
that  the  executive  was  then  intelligent,  firm  and 
decided.  Any  wavering  policy  or  weak  timidity, 
from  a regard  to  popularity,  would  have  proved 
fatal  to  the  peace  of  society  and  the  existence  of 
government.  Further  forbearance  towards  the 
insurgents  would  have  jeopardized  the  welfare  of 
the  whole  Commonwealth;  and  any  proposition  to 
negotiate  with  them  would  only  have  given  them 
confidence  and  dishonoured  the  government.  The 
governor  was  aware  that  the  crisis  demanded 
promptitude  and  decision,  and  he  took  his  mea- 
sures accordingly.  The  majority  of  the  council 
were  also  decidedly  of  opinion,  that  the  strong 
arm  of  government  must  be  raised  in  defence  of 
law  and  order.  Other  public  officers  and  intelli- 
gent citizens  were  of  opinion,  also,  that  the  insur- 
rection should  be  quelled,  before  it  extended  any 
further,  or  became  more  formidable.  It  tvas  not 
apprehended,  indeed,  that  the  majority  of  the  peo- 
ple of  Massachusetts  would  ever  become  advo- 
cates for  such  conduct  as  had  been  exhibited  by 
a few  infatuated  men.  But  it  was  considered  the 
imperious  duty  of  the  government  to  suppress  a 
rebellion,  which  was  at  once  injurious  and  dis- 
graceful to  the  state. 

The  executive  would  have  failed  in  its  duty  to 
the  people  and  to  the  state,  had  it  neglected  to 
adopt  measures  fully  adequate  to  suppress  this 
dangerous  insurrection,  with  all  possible  prompti- 
tude. To  have  relied  solely  upon  the  sheriff  of 
any  county,  where  the  insurgents  were  collected. 


with  all  the  aid  he  could  obtain,  would  have  been 
un  wise.  For  though  in  most  counties  of  the  state, 
there  was  a majority,  and  in  all,  a very  large  and 
respectable  number,  in  favour  of  government,  a 
portion  of  them  were  too  timid  to  act  openly 
against  those  who  were  collected  under  arms. 
Besides,  wdiile  the  authority  of  the  sheriff  was 
confined  to  his  own  particular  county,  the  mal- 
contents were  from  several  counties,  and  marched 
from  place  to  place,  as  their  safety  or  their  plans 
dictated.  The  only  alternative,  therefore,  was  to 
call  out  the  militia;  and,  early  in  January,  (1787) 
orders  were  issued  for  raising  4400.  Suffolk,  Essex 
and  Middlesex  were  to  furnish  2000;  Worcester 
and  Hampshire  2400. 

This  requisition  shews  the  confidence  wdiich  the 
executive  had  in  the  good  people,  generally,  in 
the  two  last  named  counties,  notwithstanding  the 
greater  }>art  of  the  insurgents  belonged  to  those 
sections  of  the  Commonwealth.  Four  companies 
of  artillery  were  also  detached  from  the  counties 
of  Suffolk  and  Middlesex.  Thirty  days  was  to 
be  the  term  of  their  service  ; and  major  general 
Lincoln  was  designated  as  the  commander  of  this 
patriotic  band,  on  wdiora  was  imposed  the  irksome 
duty  of  marching,  in  hostile  array,  against  a por- 
tion of  tlielr  fellow  citizens.  But  the  obligation 
was  indispensable : and  they  cheerfully  rallied,  in 
defence  of  a free  government  and  of  constitutional 
liberty,  at  the  call  of  the  chief  magistrate,  whom 
they  esteemed  for  his  patriotism  and  wdsdora,  and 
under  the  immediate  command  of  a military  char- 
acter, in  whom  were  united  the  mildest  virtues, 
with  great  firmness  and  resolution. 

For  the  support  of  this  detachment  of  militia 


289 


jn  defence  of  government,  a loan  of  20,000  dollars 
was  effected,  from  a number  of  patriotic  citizens; 
as  the  public  treasury  was  destitute  of  funds,  to 
meet  the  charge  of  the  expedition.  The  credi- 
tors of  the  state  were  so  numerous,  at  this  period, 
that  they  were  frequently  obliged  to  wait  many 
months  for  their  dues;  even  such  as  was  promised 
and  had  not  been  reloaned;  and  generally,  the 
treasurer  was  able  to  satisfy  them  only  by  issuing 
orders  on  the  collectors  of  the  taxes  through  the 
state,  and  thus  anticipate  the  monies  which  had 
been  assessed  for  the  public  service. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  governor,  with  his  usual 
prudence  and  under  the  influence  of  a disposition, 
by  which  he  was  uniformly  actuated,  to  omit  no 
efforts  for  the  information  and  welfare  of  the  peo- 
ple, prepared  and  circulated  an  address  to  them  ; 
in  which  he  referred  to  the  unjustifiable  and  dan- 
gerous proceedings  of  the  insurgents,  to  his  own 
late  conduct  and  that  of  the  General  Court,  by 
which  every  reasonable  indulgence,  and  every  pos- 
sible remedy,  consistent  with  justice,  order,  and 
the  support  of  the  civil  authority,  had  been  ex- 
tended to  them:  and  of  the  late  measure  of  call- 
ing out  the  militia  to  protect  the  courts  of  law ; 
which,  though  reluctantly  adopted,  was  rendered 
necessary  by  their  violent  and  highly  criminal  pro- 
ceedings. ‘‘  Such  opposition  to  government  and 
the  laws,”  he  said,  “could  not  be  longer  endured; 
and  that  their  actions,  whatever  might  be  their 
real  or  pretended  motives,  tended  directly  to  con- 
fusion and  anarchy  in  the  state.”  He  also  appeal- 
ed to  the  good  sense,  virtue  and  patriotism  of  the 
people,  on  the  absolute  necessity  of  uniting  with 
the  officers  of  government,  in  opposing  the  insur- 
voL.  II.  37 


290 


gents,  and  rallying  round  the  standard  of  the  con- 
stitution. 

While  the  militia,  who  had  been  detached,  were 
assembling  at  the  places  of  rendezvous  required, 
one  of  which  was  at  Boston,  and  the  other  at 
Springfield,  the  insurgents  became  alarmed  by  the 
decisive  conduct  of  government ; and  they  for- 
warded a petition  to  the  Supreme  Executive,  re- 
questing the  discharge  of  the  prisoners  in  Boston, 
a general  pardon  to  all  who  had  hitherto  opposed 
the  government,  and  a suspension  of  the  courts  of 
Common  Pleas,  until  after  a new  choice  of  rep- 
resentatives, who,  they  probably  supposed,  would 
be  more  ready  to  grant  all  their  wishes.  But  the 
style  of  the  application  was  not  such  as  men  in 
their  condition  might  properly  address  to  the 
lawful  authority  of  the  State.  They  had,  also,  on 
former  occasions,  violated  their  express  engage- 
ments, made  in  a like  situation  of  embarrassment 
and  fear ; and  more  than  all,  they  had  continued 
in  arms,  and  in  opposition  to  the  regular  authority 
of  the  government,  long  after  the  period  when  a 
pardon  had  been  graciously  tendered  them.  The 
memorial  was  considered,  by  the  Executive,  as  an 
improper  address,  highly  reprehensible  in  itself, 
and  requiring  an  indulgence  or  an  assurance,  which 
the  governor  and  council  were  not  authorized  to 
grant,  after  the  recent  decision  of  the  legislature. 
No  promise  could  have  been  correctly  made  by 
the  Executive,  that  the  conditions  required  by  the 
insurgents,  on  which  their  engagement  to  be  obe- 
dient and  peaceable  depended,  would  be  fulfilled 
by  the  General  Court ; for  they  proposed  in  their 
memorial,  that  some  of  the  judicial  courts  should  be 
abolished : and  besides  all  these  objections  to  their 


291 


application,  it  purported  to  be  from  citizens,  some 
of  whose  names  were  not  subscribed,  and  who 
were  not  present  at  the  meeting  when  it  was  pre- 

is  situation,  hopeless  as  it  must  have  ap- 
peared, if  they  had  impartially  considered  it,  the 
insurgents  determined  to  persevere  in  open  defi- 
ance ol  all  lesritimate  autiioj  ity ; and  called  upon 
their  fellow  citizens  to  unite  with  them  “ in  support 
of  their  rights,”  which, *they  said,  the  government 
had  denied  them.  Perceiving  such  a criminal  and 
dangerous  spirit  in  these  deluded  people,  the 
governor  directed  general  Lincoln  to  march  im- 
mediately to  Worcester,  and  protect  the  court, 
which  was  to  be  holden  on  the  23d  of  January. 
Instructions  were  given  him  as  to  the  great  objects 
of  the  expedition  ; bat  much  was  left  to  his  own 
judgment  and  discretion,  in  its  prosecution.  The 
militia,  who  had  collected  in  the  vicinity  of  Bos- 
ton, marched  on  the  19th  of  January,  and  reached 
Worcester  on  the  22d  ; and  the  insurgents  in  that 
county  were  too  much  intimidated  to  attempt  any 
opposition  to  the  sitting  of  the  court,  w^hen  such 
a powerful  force  was  prepared  to  support  it. 
They  continued  in  arms,  however,  in  diiferent 
parts  of  the  western  counties,  and  concerted  a 
junction  of  their  forces  at  Springfield,  expecting 
to  be  able  to  overpower  the  militia,  called  out  by 
the  Executive  at  that  place. 

Orders  had  been  previously  given  to  major  ge- 
neral Shepard,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  to 
take  post  at  the  military  arsenal  in  Springfield, 
with  a thousand  men,  from  an  early  apprehension, 
that  the  insurgents  would  endeavour  to  obtain  pos- 
session of  it.  The  previous  occupation  of  this 


pared. 
In  1 


292 


post  by  general  Shepard,  with  the  militia  called 
out  by  the  executive,  did  not  entirely  discourage 
the  insurgents,  though  many  of  them  were  justly 
alarmed  by  it.  But  their  numbers  were  greater 
than  the  government  troops  under  general  She- 
pard ; and  their  leaders  resolved  to  gain  possession 
of  this  important  post,  if  possible,  before  the  ar- 
rival of  general  Lincoln,  with  the  militia  from  the 
lower  counties.  The  whole  number  of  the  insur- 
gents amounted  to  about  1800,  though  they  were 
not  then  all  collected  in  one  body,  a part  of  them 
being  a few  miles  from  Springfield,  on  the  west 
side  of  Connecticut  river.  But  the  object  of  all 
was  alike  criminal,  in  intending  to  obstruct  the 
courts,  and  even  to  attack  the  militia,  who  had  as- 
sembled by  the  orders,  and  under  the  authority  of 
government. 

The  situation  of  general  Shepard,  at  this  time, 
was  very  critical.  General  Lincoln  was  still  at 
Worcester  : the  insurgents  at  and  near  Springfield 
were  numerous  and  desperate ; and  they  attempt- 
ed to  persuade  Lincoln  that  they  wished  to  nego- 
tiate, with  a view,  probably,  to  delay  his  march 
to  that  place,  that  they  might  attack  Shepard  be- 
fore he  was  reinforced,  and  obtain  possession  of 
the  public  arsenal.  General  Lincoln  was  not  de- 
ceived by  this  artifice ; but  before  he  reached 
Springfield,  whither  he  hastened  for  the  relief  and 
support  of  Shepard,  of  whose  dangerous  situation 
he  had  been  informed,  the  latter  was  threatened 
with  an  attack  by  the  insurgents  under  Shays,  then 
encamped  within  a very  short  distance.  When  ge- 
neral Shepard  found  that  they  were  resolved 
to  attack  him,  and  were  approaching  the  place 
where  he  was  posted,  he  sent  messengers  to  inform 


293 


them,  that  he  was  acting  under  the  authority  both 
of  the  state  and  of  Congress  ;*  and  declared  his 
resolution  to  defend  the  arsenal,  of  which  he  had 
reason  to  believe  they  intended  to  take  possession. 
They  were  not  deterred,  by  this  declaration,  from 
continuing  to  advance.  His  situation  became  ex- 
tremely alarming.  But  his  prudence  and  firmness 
did  not  forsake  him.  He  sent  a second  message, 
forbidding  them  to  approach  any  nearer,  and  re- 
peating his  purpose  to  defend  himself  and  post, 
whatever  might  be  the  disastrous  event.  They  still 
advanced  towards  him,  and  in  an  attitude,  Avhich 
convinced  him  of  their  plan  to  sieze  the  place  by 
force.  Thus  threatened,  and  thus  dangerously 
situated,  general  Shepard  gave  orders  to  fire  two 
of  his  cannon ; to  be  so  aimed,  however,  as  not  to 
injure  any  of  the  deluded  people.  But  this  mea- 
sure did  not  produce  the  effect  which  he  had 
hoped.  They  continued  to  advance  ; when  he 
believed  the  moment  had  arrived  that  required 
him  to  act  with  more  decision  and  effect : for  he 
felt  himself  responsible  for  the  events  of  the  day, 
and  for  the  issue  of  this  affair,  which  would  pro- 
bably decide  the  fate  of  the  Commonwealth.  For, 
if  the  insurgents  had  gained  possession  of  this  mi- 
litary post,  they  would  immediately  have  become 
formidable  to  the  state.  It  was  no  time  to  hesi- 
tate ; and  he  accordingly  ordered  several  guns  to 
be  fired  directly  into  their  ranks.  Three  of  them 
were  killed;  and  the  whole  party  was  thrown  into 

* Congress  hnd,  a short  time  before,  given  directions  to 
general  Shepard  to  protect  the  arsenal  at  Springfield,  which 
belonged  to  the  United  States. 


294 


disorder,  and  fled,  with  great  precipitation,  to  one 
of  the  adjoining  towns. 

The  leaders  of  the  insurgents  were  not  discour- 
aged by  this  unfortunate  affair.  Some  of  the  par- 
ty, indeed,  were  induced,  after  this  event,  to  de- 
sert the  standard  of  rebellion : but  Shays  received 
a large  reinforcement  from  Berkshire  county  ; and, 
thus  strengthened,  he  meditated  a second  attack 
upon  general  Shepard,  with  the  ultimate  object  of 
gaining  possession  of  the  military  stores  belonging 
to  the  public.  But  general  Lincoln  arrived  from 
Worcester,  on  the  27th  of  the  month,  with  four 
regiments  of  infantry,  a battalion  of  artillery,  and 
one  company  of  cavalry,  which  gave  great  joy  to 


It  was  concluded  to  pursue  the  insurgents  with- 
out  delay;  and  general  Lincoln,  with  most  of  the 
men  who  accompanied  him  from  Worcester,  pass- 
ed the  Connecticut  river,  on  the  ice,  in  the  search 
of  a party,  which  had  been  collecting  at  West 
Springfield  for  several  days,  and  with  whom,  it 
was  believed,  Shays  would  endeavour  to  form  a 
junction ; while  general  Shepard,  with  the  militia 
belonging  to  the  county  of  Hampshire,  marched 
directly  up  the  river  in  pursuit  of  Shays,  who  had 
gone  in  that  direction,  with  the  force  under  his 
immediate  command.  The  former  party  of  the 
insurgents  retreated  to  Northampton,  in  great  con- 
fusion ; and  those  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river, 
under  Shays,  proceeded  through  South  Hadley  to 
Amherst. 

The  friends  of  government  derived  great  con- 
fidence from  the  firmness  of  the  executive ; and 


the  peaceable  inhabitants,  and  anorded  el 
support  to  Shepard,  and  the  government 
under  his  command. 


29f) 


from  the  promptitude,  with  which  the  militia  had 
obeyed  the  orders  of  the  governor,  and  the  alac- 
rity with  which  they  exposed  themselves  to  ardu- 
ous service,  for  the  welfare  of  the  state.  Several 
volunteer  companies  were  in  preparation  to  join 
general  Lincoln,  if  their  aid  should  be  required  ; 
and  a number  of  distinguished  citizens,*  who  were 
legally  excused  from  military  duty,  offered  their 
personal  assistance,  in  performing  such  service  as 
the  public  tranquillity,  or  the  support  of  govern- 
ment might  render  necessary.  When  general  Lin- 
coln was  on  his  way  from  Worcester  to  Spring- 
field,  and  had  intelligence  of  the  greater  number 
of  insurgents  collected  and  collecting  in  the  vicini- 
ty of  the  latter  place,  and  of  their  intended  plan 
to  take  possession  of  the  public  arsenal  there,  he 
dispatched  a messenger  to  major  general  Brooks, 
to  march  with  a portion  of  the  militia  of  Middle- 
sex. The  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  a large 
body  of  them  proceeded  as  far  as  Worcester, 
when  intelligence  was  received,  that  the  public 
welfare  would  not  require  their  further  service, 
and  they  returned. 

But  the  insurgents,  although  they  were  obliged 
to  retire  from  Springfield,  to  elude  the  formidable 
force  under  generals  Lincoln  and  Shepard,  were 
not  yet  induced  to  disperse  ; nor  did  they  manifest 
any  disposition  to  submit  to  the  authority  of  the 
government.  Their  leaders  could  now  justly  ex- 
pect no  special  favour,  having  continued  in  active 
and  open  hostility  to  the  lawful  authority  of  the 
state : and  it  was  their  interest  to  retain  as  many 

* Among  these  were  generals  Tapper  and  Putnam,  and  co- 
lonel Baldwin,  late  officers  in  the  continental  army. 


296 


of  the  people  in  their  party  as  possible,  with  the 
hope  of  final  success  in  their  objects,  or  the  belief, 
that  so  long  as  the  discontented  were  numerous, 
the  treatment  of  individuals  would  be  less  severe. 
They  were  also  deceived,  in  their  calculations  of 
support  from  different  parts  of  the  Commonwealth  ; 
and  they  even  pretended  to  expect  aid  from  the 
people  of  the  adjoining  states. 

Although  the  different  parties  of  insurgents 
were  prevented  from  uniting  their  forces,  they  con- 
tinued in  such  large  numbers  as  to  require  the 
vigilance  of  the  governmental  troops.  Shays  re- 
tired through  Amherst  towards  Pelham,  with  the 
great  body  of  the  malcontents,  and  was  pursued 
by  the  militia  under  general  Lincoln.  But  when 
the  latter  reached  Amherst,  he  found  it  necessary 
to  return  to  Hadley,  to  obtain  provisions  and  shel- 
ter for  his  men ; who  had  become  quite  exhaust- 
ed, by  a long  and  continued  march,  at  that  incle- 
ment season  of  the  year.*  Those  on  the  west 
side  of  the  river,  also,  remained  in  considerable 
numbers,  threatening  the  friends  of  government, 
and  evidently  seeking  an  opportunity  of  joining 
the^  party  under  Shays,  for  a more  decided  and 
formidable  opposition.  They  met  with  a small 
party  of  the  troops,  who  belonged  to  general 
Shepard’s  command,  and  detained  them  as  pri- 
soners. The  company  of  volunteers  from  Brook- 
field, with  a few  others,  were  sent  in  pursuit  of 
this  body  of  insurgents,  and  for  the  rescue  of 
their  brethren,  who  were  kept  by  them  in  duress. 
The  insurgents,  w^ho  were  almost  double  the  num- 

* An  unusual  quantity  of  snow  fell  in  December,  and  for  the 
whole  month  of  January,  the  cold  was  very  severe. 


297 


ber  of  the  party  of  volunteers,  were  overtaken, 
at  the  distance  of  about  twenty  miles  from  North- 
ampton. Each  party  prepared  for  an  attack. 
But  by  the  great  firmness  and  intrepidity  of  the 
volunteer  corps,*  many  of  the  insurgents  were  in- 
duced to  give  up  their  arms;  and  the  others  es- 
caped. 

General  Lincoln  remained  a few  days,  at  Had- 
ley, from  a regard  to  the  comfort  of  his  troops, 
who  had  been  mucli  exposed,  and  suffered  greatly 
during  their  late  rapid  march,  as  well  as  from  a 
hope,  that  a little  time  for  reflection,  would  induce 
the  greater  part  of  the  insurgents  to  quit  the  cri- 
minal course  they  were  pursuing.  It  appeared 
from  his  letters  to  the  governor,  that  he  had  no 
doubt  the  most  of  them  were  deceived  by  a few  art- 
ful men,  who  had  grossly  misinterpreted  the  mea- 
sures and  views  of  government,  and  it  was  his  desire 
and  purpose,  if  possible,  to  suppress  the  insurrection, 
without  further  bloodshed.  Knowing,  also,  their 
want  of  system,  and  of  all  sufficient  means  of  be- 
coming really  formidable  to  government,  he  felt 
no  necessity  of  an  immediate  attack  upon  Shays  and 
his  party. 

Attempts  were  made  for  holding  conventions,  in 
several  counties,  at  this  time,  by  a class  of  men, 
who  affected  to  censure  the  conduct  of  the  insur- 
gents for  overt  acts  of  opposition  to  the  govern- 
ment ; but  who  pretended  that  the  discontents  of 
the  people  were  so  great,  that  such  meetings  were 
necessary  to  consult  on  measures  for  the  public 
quiet.  But  many  of  those  who  favoured  this  plan, 
were  known  to  have  apologized  for,  if  they  had 

* Tupper  and  Baldwin  were  in  this  party  of  volunteers. 

VOL,  II,  38 


298 


not  fully  approved,  the  proceedings  o'*  the  insur- 
gents. It  was  also  considered,  by  the  majority, 
as  a very  irregular  mode  of  obtaining  relief,  lor 
any  real  or  supposed  grievances;  and  that  the  le- 
gislature, composed  of  the  representatives  of  the 
people,  was  the  only  constitutional  body  authoris- 
ed for  the  purpose,  was  then  to  meet  in  a few 
days.  The  intelligent  and  patriotic  citizens,  there- 
fore, in  all  parts  of  the  state,  were  found  in  oppo- 
sition to  these  county  meetings. 

On  the  second  day  after  general  Lincoln  arriv- 
ed at  Hadley,  he  addressed  a letter  to  Shays,  then 
at  Pelham,  about  twenty  miles  distance,  but  in  the 
same  county  ; in  which  he  referred  explicitly  to 
the  criminal  purposes  and  conduct  of  the  insur- 
gents, in  assembling  under  arms  against  the  go- 
vernment of  the  state;  to  their  embarrassed  situa- 
tion ; and  to  the  personal  consequences  of  their  con- 
tinuing in  a posture  of  rebellion.  As  the  lawful 
agent  of  the  executive,  he  required  Shays  to  com- 
municate the  letter  to  the  deluded  citizens  who 
were  assembled  with  him  at  Pelham,  that  they 
might  avail  of  the  lenity  of  government,  and  pre- 
vent a severe,  but  just  punishment.  But  he  gave 
no  intimation  of  pardon  to  the  leaders  of  the  mob, 
or  to  those  who  had  distinguished  themselves  by 
their  open  hostility  to  the  officers  of  government, 
other  than  might  be  justly  hoped,  from  the  wis- 
dom and  lenity  of  the  legislature.  He  added,  that 
if  they  did  not  peaceably  separate,  he  should 
immediately  march  his  troops  to  Pelham  ; and  if 
attacked  or  resisted,  the  leaders  of  the  insurgents 
would  be  answerable  for  all  the  consequences 
which  might  ensue.  Resolute  as  he  was  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty  as  a public  officer,  he  w^as, 


299 


at  the  same  time,  desirr  us  of  sparing  the  lives  of 
his  fellow  citizens. 

In  their  reply  to  the  note  of  general  Lincoln, 
Shays  and  others,  who  were  considered  officers 
of  the  insurgent  band,  proposed  several  conditions, 
Vt^hich  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  approve  or  ac- 
cept. They  insisted  upon  an  assurance  of  a gene- 
ral and  unconditional  pardon;  intimating,  that  they 
had  sought  only  for  a redress  of  real  grievances, 
which  they  su-ffered.  If  this  could  not  be  promis- 
ed, they  asked  for  a suspension  of  all  hostilities, 
until  they  could  present  a petition  to  the  General 
Court,  and  learn  the  result.  To  this  evasive  and 
unsatisfactory  answer,  general  Lincoln  immediate- 
ly replied,  that  their  request  was  inadmissible,  as 
his  instructions  would  not  justify  any  delay  in  his 
operations,  and  that  he  had  no  authority  to  de- 
cide ultimately  upon  their  fate  ; that  he  had  not 
commenced  hostilities ; that  he  must  again  warn 
the  people  assembled  in  arms  against  government 
to  disband,  as  they  would  avoid  the  evils  which 
might  follow  from  a disregard  of  this  warning. 

The  time  had  now  arrived  for  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Court,  which  had  been  prorogued  from 
the  former  session,  to  the  last  of  January.  The 
governor  immediately  gave  them  full  information 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  malcontents,  subsequent- 
ly to  the  previous  session;  of  the  measures  which 
he  had  adopted  to  suppress  the  disorders  in  the 
state  ; and  of  the  success,  which  had  hitherto  at- 
tended the  troops  under  general  Lincoln,  ordered 
out  for  the  service  of  the  Commonwealth.  This 
conduct  of  the  executive  was  highly  approved  by 
the  legislature  and  they  publicly  and  deliberatc- 

As  the  course  pursued  by  Mr.  Bowdoin  was  considered 


300 


Ij  declared  the  existence  of  a dangerous  rehellion 
in  the  Commonwealth.  The  views  of  the  Gene- 
ral Court  cannot  be  so  well  exhibited,  as  by  refer- 
ing  to  their  declaration  m extcnso.  It  was  adopted 
by  the  two  Houses  on  the  fourth  of  February, 
a few  days  after  they  assembled."^ 

They  also  promptly  authorized  the  governor, 
by  a special  resolve,  to  re-inforce  the  militia,  who 
were  in  the  service  of  government  under  general 
Lincoln,  if  it  should  be  deemed  necessary  ; to  cause 
the  most  active  among  the  insurgents  to  be  arrest- 
ed ; but  to  pardon  such  as  had  probably  been 
deceived,  upon  surrendering  up  their  arms  and 
taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Common- 
wealth. The  term,  for  which  the  militia  who 
were  first  enlisted,  had  then  nearly  expired ; and 
it  was  reported,  at  the  time,  that  the  insurgents 
were  increasing,  in  some  of  the  western  counties. 

The  insurgents  forwarded  a petition  to  the 
General  Court,  as  they  had  before  done  to  the  exe- 
cutive, from  the  towm  of  Pelham,  where  they 
were  principally  collected,  except  a small  party  in 
Berkshire ; in  which  they  acknowledged  their  error, 
in  opposing  the  government  by  force  ; though  they 
insisted  that  they  had  reason  to  complain  of  griev- 
ances which  ought  to  have  been  redressed- — and 
promising  to  lay  down  their  arms  and  to  disperse, 
upon  an  assurance  of  pardon  for  all  their  past  con- 
duct. The  legislature  voted  that  they  could  not  lis- 

by  some,  probably  from  good  motives,  as  unnecessarily  severe, 
we  will  give,  in  the  appendix,  his  speech  to  the  General 
Court,  at  this  time,  and  the  answer  of  the  two  houses  there- 
to. In  the  senate,  it  passed  unanimously ; and  the  house  con- 
curred in  it  by  a very  large  majority.  See  Appendix  jNo.  2, 


^ See  Appendix  No.  3. 


301 


ten  to  a petition  from  men  in  arms  opposed  to  go- 
vernment ; and  that  no  promise  of  pardon  would 
be  made  to  the  leaders  who  were  justly  chargeable 
with  the  aggravated  crime  of  rebellion,  after  re- 
peated warnings  and  former  assurances  of  clemen- 
cy. The  measures  of  the  General  Court  on  this  oc- 
casion, were  very  firm  and  decisive  : and  contributed, 
with  the  previous  course  of  the  executive,  to  dis- 
courage the  spirit  of  insurrection,  and  to  gi\e  con- 
fidence to  the  friends  of  constitutional  liberty  and 
order. 

Two  days  after  the  petition  was  sent  on  to  the 
General  Court,  the  insurgents  marched  from  Pel- 
ham to  Petersham,  a distance  of  about  twelve 
miles ; probably  with  a view  to  a better  accom- 
modation. General  Lincoln  Vt^ho  was  still  at  Had- 
ley, had  early  notice  of  this  movement ; and  think- 
ing, that  Shays  might  proceed  eastward  and  gain 
new  adherents  or  annoy  the  inhabitants,  he  im- 
mediately resolved  to  pursue  him.  He  left  Had- 
ley late  in  the  evening  and  reached  Petersham  the 
next  morning,  after  a circuitous  march  of  thirty  miles, 
during  a very  cold  night,  in  a great  part  of  which 
a snow  storm  raged  with  uncommon  severity. 
The  men  suffered  much  by  this  movement,  and 
several  of  them  were  badly  frozen.  But  the  ob- 
ject was  in  a great  measure  accomplished  by  this 
spirited  and  rapid  expedition ; and  general  Lin- 
coln acknowledged  the  singular  patience  and  forti- 
tude of  his  troops,  in  this  season  of  exposure.  The 
insurgents  had  no  intelligence  of  the  approach  of 
general  Lincoln  ; and  were  throwm  into  extreme 
surprise  and  alarm,  as  he  entered  the  town.  They 
fled  in  various  directions  and  in  great  confusion, 
without  making  any  opposition.  One  hundred  and 


302 


fifty  of  them  were  taken  in  attempting  to  flee  ; but 
the  leaders  and  the  residue  of  them  escaped  the 
vigilance  of  the  constitutional  troops.  A large 
number  returned,  separately,  to  their  homes  ; and 
some  left  the  state,  as  the  only  probable  means  of 
safety.  It  was  supposed  that  they  might  have 
given  a formidable  resistance  to  general  Lincoln, 
if  they  had  opposed  him  with  all  their  force  ; for 
his  men  were  exceedingly  exhausted  by  their  long 
march  at  that  inclement  season.  But  he  was  not 
justly  chargeable  with  any  indiscretion,  by  which 
the  men  under  his  command  would  be  exposed  to 
great  danger.  He  well  knew  the  want  of  decis- 
ion and  of  mutual  confidence  among  the  insurgents; 
and  he  made  the  most  judicious  arrangement  of 
his  troops  when  he  entered  Petersham,  so  that  had 
he  been  attacked,  he  felt  himself  fully  prepared 
to  meet  them. 

The  intelligence  of  this  affair  spread  with  rapi- 
dity through  the  state,  and  gave  great  animation 
to  all  good  citizens,  especially  to  the  riends  of  the 
executive  who  was  responsible  for  the  course 
adopted  to  suppress  the  insurrection.  But  there 
were  not  wanting  those  who  secretly  wished  for  a 
failure  of  the  measures  pursued  in  support  of  go- 
vernment. Mr.  Bowdoin  had  political  opponents  ; 
and  many  of  the  timid  and  wavering  citizens  had 
been  averse  from  the  decisive  steps,  which  he  con- 
sidered it  his  duty  to  take.  The  result  was  such 
as  could  not  fail  to  satisfy  all  impartial  men  of  his 
judgment  and  patriotism.  And  yet  a portion  of 
the  people  complained  that  the  insurgents  were  not 
treated  with  sufficient  lenity. 

The  conduct  of  general  Lincoln  received  the 
particular  approbation  of  the  legislature  ; and  the 


303 


great  body  of  the  people  were  ready  to  acknowl*^ 
edge  both  his  prudence  and  firmness.  The  new 
recruit  of  men,  which  had  been  ordered,  by  go- 
vernment, before  the  dispersion  of  the  insurgents 
at  Petersham  were  not  sent  on ; but  the  legisla- 
ture authorised  the  raising  of  1500  for  four  months 
to  supply  the  place  of  those  who  first  engaged,  if 
their  services  should  be  so  long  needed.  Se  eral 
small  parties  of  the  malcontents  were  still  collect- 
ed in  different  parts  of  the  state,  and  threatened 
further  opposition  to  the  civil  authority  : and 
many  were  known  to  be  restrained  only  by  their 
fears;  ready  to  rise  again,  should  they  have  rea- 
son to  hope  for  success.  In  the  county  of  Berk- 
shire, there  was  still  just  cause  of  alarm  to  the 
peaceable  inhabitants.  The  insurgents  were  nu- 
merous in  that  part  of  the  state  ; and  they  ex- 
pected support  from  the  discontented  in  New 
York  and  Vermont.  About  500  of  the  citizens 
formed  a voluntary  association  for  their  mutual 
protection  and  the  support  of  government.  A 
small  party  of  these  were  met  by  a body  of  the 
insurgents,  who  fired  a few  guns  as  they  first  ap- 
proached ; but  from  a want  of  confidence  in  the 
justice  of  their  object,  or  a regard  for  the  lives  of 
their  fellow  citizens,  they  were  reluctant  in  obey- 
ing the  orders  of  their  leader  to  continue  their 
fire  ; when  one  of  the  party  who  had  assembled 
for  the  defence  of  the  state,  with  great  resolution 
rode  up  to  their  front,  and  ordered  them  to  throw 
down  their  arms.  Some  of  them  fled ; but  the 
greater  number  gave  up  their  arms  and  were  ad- 
mitted to  the  oath  of  allegiance. 

Another  party  of  malcontents  soon  after  collect- 
ed in  a difl’erent  section  of  the  county,  and  threat- 


304 


ened  vengeance  on  the  supporters  of  government. 
Major  general  Patterson  who  commanded  the  mi- 
litia in  Berkshire,  went  in  pursuit  of  them  but  they 
fled.  He  followed  them  from  Adams  to  Williams- 
town  where  they  were  dispersed.  But  assembling 
again  in  still  greater  force,  he  sent  an  express  to 
general  Lincoln  at  Petersham,  for  assistance.  Be- 
fore the  arrival  of  Lincoln,  Patterson  met  the  in- 
surgents at  Lee : upon  their  proposal  to  disperse, 
he  promised  his  influence  with  government  to  ob- 
tain their  pardon,  or  a trial  within  the  county. 
Soon  after  this,  another  party  of  insurgents  enter- 
ed the  county  of  Berkshire  from  JNew  York,  but 
chiefly  inhabitants  of  Massachusetts.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  Stockbridge,  where  they  threatened  and 
put  under  guard  several  respectable  citizens.  Col- 
onel Ashley  collected  some  militia  from  Great  Bar- 
rington and  Sheffield,  for  the  purpose  of  opposing 
them.  As  he  approached  them  near  the  latter 
place,  they  fired  a few  guns ; but  he  advanced, 
and  the  firing  became  general  on  both  sides  for  a 
few  minutes.  But  the  insurgents  soon  dispersed 
leaving  two  of  their  number  dead  on  the  spot 
where  the  action  took  place ; and  about  thirty  of 
their  party  wounded.  Two  of  the  militia  under 
colonel  Ashley  were  also  killed. 

About  the  same  time,  a number  of  the  insur- 
gents collected  at  New  Braintree  in  Worcester 
county,  and  another  party  at  Northfield  in  the 
northern  part  of  Hampshire,  which  put  the  inha- 
bitants in  fear,  by  their  threatening  and  abusive 
conduct.  The  militia  were  ordered  out  to  disperse 
them:  but  the  insurgents  fled  immediately ; not, 
however,  without  firing  from  their  hiding  places 
upon  the  people,  who  were  sent  against  them,  and 


wounding  several  of  them.  Near  Northfield,  a 
citizen,"^  who  was  in  pursuit  of  one  of  the  leaders 
of  the  insurgents,  and  who  met  him  in  a narrow 
pass,  was  shot  dead.  He  discharged  his  piece,  at 
the  same  moment  h s antagonist  did,  but  without 
effect.  The  criminal  escaped  to  Vermont;  but 
was  pursued  and  taken  by  a small  detachment  of 
militia  under  captain  Buffington,  who  rendered  im- 
portant service  to  the  state,  on  several  occasions 
during  the  insurrection. 

The  insurgents  having  fled  into  the  adjoining- 
states,  where  they  could  not  legally  be  apprehen- 
ded by  the  authority  of  Massachusetts,  the  go- 
vernor, by  request  of  the  General  Court,  made  ap- 
plication to  the  executives  of  those  states  respect- 
ively, for  causing  them  to  be  arrested.  The  chief 
magistrates  of  Connecticut  and  New  Hampshire 

firomptly  adopted  measures  for  taking  up  and  de- 
ivering  to  the  authority  of  Massachusetts,  any  per- 
sons who  had  been  active  in  the  rebellion,  found 
within  their  several  jurisdictions.  In  Rhode 
Island  and  Vermont,  the  aid  requested  was  not  im- 
mediately afforded ; but  after  some  delay,  and 
some  objections  from  a portion  of  the  legislatures 
of  these  states,  they  also  informed  the  governor, 
that  they  would  not  protect  or  harbour  any  of  the 
citizens  of  Massachusetts,  who  had  been  in  arms 
against  the  government  thereof.  The  governor  of 
New  York,  after  the  legislature  gave  their  sanction 
to  the  measure,  issued  orders  to  the  militia  to  sup- 
press all  riots,  and  to  arrest  any  of  the  insurgents 
of  Massachusetts,  who  might  be  found  within  the 

^ This  was  a Mr.  Jacob  Walker  of  Whately,  a worthy  and 
useful  citizen. 


VOL.  n. 


39 


306 


state.  He  also  proceeded  to  the  eastern  boundary 
of  the  state,  to  meet  general  Lincoln,  then  in 
Berkshire;  and  readily  offered  all  proper  assis- 
tance for  the  dispersion  or  capture  of  the  insur- 
gents. 

Before  the  General  Court  was  adjourned,  they 
passed  a resolution  for  holding  special  sessions  of 
the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  in  the  counties  of 
Berkshire,  Hampshire,  and  Middlesex,  for  the  trial 
of  the  persons  who  had  been  taken  into  custody,  on 
account  of  the  late  opposition  to  the  government. 
The  regular  term  in  Worcester  would  then  be  at 
an  early  day  ; and  therefore  no  additional  provi- 
sion was  made  with  respect  to  that  county.  But 
it  was  also  particularly  provided,  that  no  person 
who  had  been  engaged  in,  or  had  favoured  the 
late  rebellion,  should  be  admitted  to  sit  as  jurors. 
The  governor  was  likewise  requested  by  the  Ge- 
neral Court,  to  apply  to  Congress  for  troops  to 
guard  the  public  arsenal  at  Springfield,  and  for 
authorizing  general  Lincoln  to  proceed  into  the 
other  states,  should  circumstances  render  it  expe- 
dient, to  apprehend  those  persons  charged  with 
rebellion  in  Massachusetts. 

With  a view  to  extend  all  reasonable  lenity  to 
that  portion  of  the  people,  who  through  ignorance 
or  inconsideration  had  been  induced  to  rise  in  op- 
position to  the  lawful  authority  of  the  state,  and 
towards  whom  it  would  be  difficult  for  courts  of 
law  to  show  that  indulgence,  which  a thorough  ac- 
quaintance with  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
would  justify,  the  legislature  appointed  three 
commissioners  to  go  into  the  western  counties,  and 
promise  indemnity  to  such  as  they  might  consider 
sincere  in  their  professions  of  attachment  to  go- 


307 


vernmerit,  and  who  had  not  been  among  the  lea- 
ders of  the  rebellion.  General  Lincoln,  and  the 
Hon.  Samuel  A.  Otis,  and  the  Hon.  Samuel  Phil- 
lips, jr.  were  selected  for  this  delicate  and  respon- 
sible business.  They  entered  upon  the  duties  of 
their  commission  in  the  month  of  April ; and  about 
800  persons  received  the  favour  of  government, 
which  was  thus  offered  them. 

Desirous,  also,  to  afford  every  possible  relief  to 
the  people,  consistently  with  a just  regard  for  the 
public  welfare,  and  the  support  of  government,  it 
Avas  agreed  to  lessen  the  number  of  terms  of  the 
Court  of  Common  Pieas  in  several  counties,  and 
to  reduce  the  amount  of  fees  in  various  cases  of 
public  officers.  A bill  also  passed  the  two  houses 
for  reducing  the  salary  of  the  governor  one  third 
part.  When  it  was  laid  before  the  governor 
for  his  signature,  he  objected  to  it  as  unconstitu- 
tional. He  considered  it  improper  also,  so  near 
the  close  of  the  political  year,  and  uncertain  as  it 
was  who  would  next  be  chosen  to  the  office  he 
held,  to  give  his  consent  to  such  a reduction.  The 
salary,  which  the  governor  then  received,  Avas  es- 
tablished soon  after  the  constitution  was  adopted, 
and  by  the  express  letter  of  this  instrument  it  was 
provided  “ that  it  should  be  of  a fixed  and  perma- 
nent value.”  Complaints  were  made  against  the 
governor  for  objecting  to  the  bill ; but,  perhaps, 
he  would  have  been  more  justly  censured  had  he 
approved  of  it. 

At  the  term  of  the  Supreme  Court  holden  in 
Berkshire,  several  persons  were  indicted  for  trea- 
son, six  of  whom  were  convicted  ; in  Hampshire 
the  same  number  were  found  guilty,  and  one  in 
each  of  the  counties  of  Middlesex  and  Worcester  ; 


308 


and  the  sentence  of  death  was  accordingly  passed 
upon  them  by  the  court.  Eiglit  of  these  received 
the  pardon  of  the  supreme  executive,  and  to  the 
others  a reprieve  was  granted.  Many  others  were 
convicted  of  seditious  practices,  a few  of  whom 
were  magistrates  or  officers  of  government.  A re- 
presentative was  proved  guilty  of  open  opposition 
to  the  civil  authority  ; and  was  sentenced  to  sit  on 
the  gallows,  and  to  pay  a heavy  fine. 

The  commissioners  of  the  General  Court,  who 
went  into  the  upper  counties  to  tender  the  cle- 
mency of  government  to  such  as  they  should  be- 
lieve Avould  prove  peaceable  citizens  in  future,  had 
an  opportunity  of  learning  the  sentiments  which 
prevailed  respecting  the  measures  of  the  legisla- 
ture, and  of  ascertaining  the  causes  of  complaint. 
They  found  that  the  lower  classes  of  people  had 
been  misinformed  as  to  the  conduct  and  views  of 
government;  and  that  there  was  an  unreasonable 
indulgence  in  the  use  of  foreign  articles,  Avhich  led 
them  to  neglect  manufactures,  and  to  expend,  in 
superfluities,  what  should  have  been  appropriated 
to  the  payment  of  debts  and  taxes.  Private  debts 
had  been  suffered  to  accumulate,  and  the  taxes, 
which  each  year  were  very  great,  had  been  neg- 
lected, till  they  amounted  to  such  large  sums  as  to 
destroy  almost  all  hope  of  discharging  them.  The 
appointment  of  these  commissioners  had  a ^happy 
effect,  as  it  discovered  a desire  in  the  legislature 
to  discriminate  between  the  artful  and  unprinci- 
pled, who  had  been  the  occasion  of  the  rebellion ; 
and  those,  who,  although  not  entirely  justifiable, 
had  been  lead  to  improper  practices  by  misrepre- 
sentations or  threats.  It  was  proof,  likewise,  of  a 
disposition  in  government,  to  extend  all  reasonable 


309 


Indulgence  towards  the  deluded  citizens.  The 
General  Court,  which  was  in  session  in  May,  by  a 
particular  call  from  the  government  to  fill  the  of- 
fice of  treasurer,*  resolved  also  that  the  taxes  for 
the  preceding  year  might  be  collected,  in  part,  by 
public  securities. 

While  the  legislature  were  in  session,  in  March, 
the  subject  of  enlarging  the  powers  of  Congress 
was  again  agitated ; and  it  was  agreed  to  send  de- 
legates, to  meet  in  convention,  at  Philadelphia,  in 
the  month  of  May  following.  It  had  been  some- 
time considered,  by  those  who  attended  to  the  situ- 
ation of  the  country,  and  who  perceived  the  want 
of  uniformity  in  the  several  states,  in  a prompt 
compliance  with  the  requisitions  of  Congress,  and 
in  their  regulations  respecting  foreign  commerce, 
that  a national  government  was  necessary  for  the 
purpose  of  making  laws,  which  should  be  really  ob- 
ligatory, instead  of  being  simply  advisory;  and  for 
forming  treaties  with  other  nations,  which  would 
eventually  advance  the  interests  of  navigation,  and 
augment  the  public  revenue.  The  governor  and 
legislature  of  Massachusetts  had  suggested  the 
expediency  of  vesting  Congress  with  additional 
powers,  for  these  purposes,  more  than  a year  be- 
fore. The  committees,  which  met  at  Annapolis 
in  Maryland,  in  1736,  had  expressed  an  opinion  in 
favour  of  the  plan.  The  House  of  Assembly,  of 
Virginia,  afterw^ards,  particularly  approved  of  a 
convention  of  delegates  from  all  the  states,  for 
the  attainment  of  this  object.  And  Congress  had 
also  voted  to  recommend  the  speedy  adoption  of 
such  a measure. 

* Mr.  Ivers,  the  treasurer  of  the  state,  died  suddenly,  and 
there  was  no  provision  by  law  (as  afterwards)  for  an  appoint’ 
ment  hv  the  executive. 


310 


The  credit  of  the  nation  was  suffering  at  home 
and  abroad.  A great  debt  was  due  to  France  and 
Holland,  which  Congress  had  incurred  for  the  be- 
nefit of  all  the  states,  in  a season  of  uncommon 
embarrassment ; and  for  the  greater  part  of  the 
sums  due  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  revo- 
lutionary army,  Congress  was  solemnly  bound  to 
provide.  When  requisitions  were  made  upon  the 
states  for  their  respective  quotas  of  these  sums, 
they  delayed  payment;  and  at  the  close  of  the 
year  1786,  most  of  I hem  were  in  arrears  for  1784 
and  1785,  besides  the  large  sum  then  required.  Se- 
veral of  the  states  also,  which  passed  acts  for  rais- 
ing a revenue  by  impost  duties,  which  were  de- 
signed to  be  wholly  applied  to  pay  their  propor- 
tions of  the  continental  debt,  afterwards  appro- 
priated it  to  the  discharge  of  their  own. 

An  entirely  new  constitution  was  not  generally 
contemplated,  at  this  period ; and  it  was  afterwards 
objected  to  the  system  by  some,  that  it  was  such  as 
the  convention  were  not  fully  authorised  to  form. 
The  delegates  chosen  to  attend  the  convention, 
were  only  instructed,  in  most  cases,  to  give  power 
to  Congress  for  enacting  uniform  laws,  in  relation 
to  commerce  and  navigation ; and  for  applying,  to 
the  discharge  of  ihe  continental  debts  and  expen- 
ses, the  revenue  which  would  arise  from  the  duties 
imposed  by  that  body. 

During  this  session,  the  General  Court  provided 
for  collecting  160,000/.  of  the  public  paper,  which 
had  been  given  in  payment  to  the  officers  of  the 
late  army,  by  a land  lottery.  This  land  was  situ- 
ated in  the  eastern  part  of  Maine ; and  every 
ticket  entitled  the  purchaser  to  a prize ; the  only 
difference  being  in  the  location  and  quality  of 
the  lot, 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Mr.  Hancock  chosen  governor  . . . Great  part  of  General  Court  new  mem- 
bers . . . Policy  not  materially  changed  . . . Insurgents  still  dangerous  in 
western  counties  . . . Resident  in  Vermont  . . . Governor  authorised  to 
continue  troops  in  the  public  service  . . . Salaries  . . . Insurgents  pardon- 
ed.. . State  of  the  Commonwealth  . . . High  taxes  . . . Federal  Constitu- 
tion ...  Approved  in  Massachusetts  by  a small  majority  . . . Objections 
to  it . . . Arguments  for  it . . . Atnendments . . . Rejoicing  on  its  adoption  . . . 
Subsequent  prosperity  . . . Amount  of  claims  on  the  United  States  , . . Mint 
. . , Manufactures  . . . Slave  trade  prohibited. 

The  elections  which  took  place,  in  April  and  May, 
(1787)  of  governor,  senators  and  representatives, 
afforded  new  proof  of  the  difference  of  opinion 
among  the  citizens,  respecting  the  propriety  of 
measures  pursued  towards  the  insurgents.  Mr. 
Hancock  was  chosen  governor  by  a large  majority 
of  votes,  and  the  greater  number  of  senators  and 
representatives  were  new  members.  In  many 
towns,  indeed,  it  was  openly  avowed  by  the  peo- 
ple, that  they  should  select  their  rulers  from  those 
who  had  been  opposed  to  the  decisive  measures 
adopted  for  suppressing  the  rebellion.  It  was  said 
by  some,  that  the  burdens  of  the  people  were  so 
great,  that,  if  they  could  not  be  justified,  they 
might  be  excused  : while  others  believed,  that  the 
firmness  and  energy  manifested  by  the  executive 
had  saved  the  Commonwealth  from  anarchy  and 
ruin.  This  was  the  opinion  of  the  most  judicioui^ 


312 


part  of  the  citizens;  and  yet  there  was  no  doubt 
of  the  sincerity  of  some  of  those  who  entertained 
a different  opinion.  It  could  not  be  justly  said, 
that  Mr.  Hancock  had  ever  apologized  for  the 
conduct  of  the  insurgents ; but  it  was  a fact,  that 
many  of  those  who  favoured  his  election  believed 
he  would  be  more  indulgent  to  their  errors  than 
his  predecessor.*  But  there  was  a desire  of 
change,  in  many  of  the  people,  who  were  led  to 
hope,  at  least,  for  some  legislative  relief.  A num- 
ber of  the  citizens  had  always  been  opposed  to 
Mr.  Bowdoin,  on  the  supposition,  though  entirely 
unfounded,  that  he  had  an  undue  partiality  for  the 
British  government  and  nation.  That  Mr.  Bow- 
doin was  a sincere  patriot,  no  one  presumed  publicly 
to  deny ; and  that  the  measures  he  adopted  were 
necessary  to  check  the  spirit  of  disorder,  which 
prevailed,  was  admitted  by  all  impartial  citizens. 
Large  majorities  both  of  the  senate  and  representa- 
tives approved  of  the  course  he  pursued ; and  the 
administration  which  followed  did  not,  even  by  im- 
plication, censure  his  policy. 

The  insurgents  were  no  longer  really  formida- 
ble to  the  Commonwealth  ; the  leaders  having  de- 
parted from  the  state,  and  the  great  body  of  those 
who  had  been  induced  to  join  in  opposition  to  go- 
vernment, being  disposed  to  submit  quietly  to  the 
civil  authority.  Those  who  had  left  the  state, 
however,  were  very  inveterate  in  their  feelings  to- 
wards the  friends  of  law  and  order;  especially  in 
the  western  counties ; and  they  made  attempts, 

* Hon.  S.  Adams,  however,  was  chosen  president  of  the  se- 
nate ; and  he  had  been  very  decided  in  favour  of  the  measures 
adopted  by  governor  Bowdoin. 


313 


hopeless  as  was  the  prospect  of  success,  to  strength- 
en their  party,  that  they  might  be  able,  at  least, 
to  alarm  and  annoy  such  as  had  been  most  active 
in  opposing  them.  They  were  not  able  to  etFect 
their  purposes  to  a great  extent ; and  it  was  sur- 
prising that  they  were  ever  permitted  to  remain 
in  a neighbouring  state,  when  their  criminal  plans 
and  projects  were  known.  But  they  found  means 
to  sieze  two  citizens  belonging  to  towns  in  the 
northern  parts  of  Hampshire  county,  and  convey 
them  into  the  state  of  Vermont.  They  intended 
to  detain  them  as  hostages  ; and  had  the  presump- 
tion to  threaten  them  with  death,  if  any  of  those 
should  be  executed  who  had  been  convicted  of  re- 
bellion. This  was  a great  outrage  upon  any  civil- 
ized government ; and  the  authority  of  that  state 
did  not  long  connive  at  it;  and  the  prisoners  were 
permitted  to  return  home. 

The  intelligence  of  this  affair  was  received  in 
the  capital  the  last  of  May  ; and  induced  governor 
Hancock  to  recommend  the  employment  of  the 
troops  then  in  the  service  of  government,  in  the 
counties  of  Berkshire  and  Hampshire,  after  their 
former  engagement  should  expire,  which  would  be 
in  June.  He  expressed  a decided  opinion,  that  the 
measure  was  necessary  for  the  security  and  peace 
of  the  citizens  in  that  section  of  the  Common- 
wealth. The  General  Court  thereupon  voted  to 
raise  800  men,  to  remain  in  service  for  six  months, 
if  such  a period  should  be  found  necessary.  An 
attempt  was  made  by  those  who  viewed  the  con- 
duct of  the  insurgents  with  little  abhorrence,  to 
connect  with  this  resolve  a general  pardon  and  a 
repeal  of  the  disqualifying  act  formerly  passed,  but 
without  success.  After  much  discussion,  however, 

VOL.  II.  10 


314 


it  was  agreed  to  extend  the  clemency  of  govern- 
ment to  all  those  who  had  been  engaged  in  the  In- 
surrection, with  the  exception  of  nine,  upon  condi- 
tion of  their  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  within 
three  months.  The  legislature  resolved,  likewise, 
that  no  further  lenity  should  be  extended  towards 
such  as  might,  thereafter,  be  found  in  arms  against 
the  government  of  the  Commonwealth.  The  go- 
vernor was,  moreover,  requested  to  obtain  per- 
mission from  the  civil  authority  of  any  adjoining 
state,  to  wdiich  the  insurgents  had  escaped,  to 
march  the  militia  within  their  limits,  to  arrest  or 
subdue  them.  And  he  \vas  accordingly  authorised 
to  raise  a force  to  be  thus  employed. 

A proposition  was  made,  during  this  session,  for 
inquiring  into  the  expediency  of  reducing  the  sala- 
ries of  some  of  the  officers  of  government;  and  it 
was  urged,  that,  in  a season  of  great  embarrass- 
ment, while  taxes  pressed  heavily  upon  the  peo- 
ple, such  a measure  would  be  just  and  proper. 
The  compensation  of  the  chief  magistrate  w^as  par- 
ticularly mentioned  ; and  wdiile  the  subject  was  be- 
fore the  house,  in  this  incipient  stage,  the  gover- 
nor proposed  to  give  up  one  third  of  his  salary  for 
the  current  year;  but  expressly  stated,  that  he 
hoped  it  would  not  be  urged  as  a precedent  on 
any  future  occasion,  and  intimated  that  it  was  net 
a greater  sum  than  wms  necessary  to  the  dignity 
and  expenses  of  the  office.  But  though  this  part 
of  the  salary  of-  the  chief  magistrate  was  relin- 
quished for  the  year  only,  it  was  found  difficult  af- 
terwards to  obtain  the  consent  of  the  General 
Court  to  raise  it  to  the  former  amount.  Mr.  Ha?;- 
cock,  while  in  the  chair,  and  in  the  course  of  the 
year  following,  intimated  an  expectation  of  receiv- 


315 


ing'  the  sum  originally  established  ; but  the  legis- 
lature made  no  provision  for  it,  and  passed  a spe- 
cial law  to  repeal  the  original  act  on  the  subject. 

It  was  proposed  also  by  some  members  of  the 
house,  that  there  should  be  an  emission  of  paper 
money,  and  that  the  General  Court  should  sit  in 
some  town  in  the  interior  of  the  country.  But 
neither  of  these  motions  obtained  ; and  for  the  for- 
mer measure  there  was  only  one  third  of  the  mem- 
bers present.  The  tender  act  Avas  continued, 
which  afforded  relief,  especially  to  the  people  in 
the  interior  of  the  state,  who  found  it  dilficult  to 
pay  their  debts  in  specie.  The  creditor  often  suf- 
fered by  the  operation  of  this  law,  as  he  was  obli- 
ged to  receive  articles,  which  he  did  not  need,  and 
of  which  he  could  not  dispose,  without  a loss.  But 
the  scarcity  of  specie  and  the  embarrassments  of 
the  people  were  believed  to  justify  the  act. 

In  June,  the  persons  under  sentence  of  death  for 
treason  were  again  reprieved  to  the  month  of  Au- 
gust : and  again  to  September,  when  four  of  tliem 
received  a full  pardon ; one  was  ordered  to  be 
confined  to  hard  labour  as  a commutation  of  his 
former  sentence,  and  the  others  escaped  from  pri- 
son and  left  the  state.  Two  of  the  most  active 
and  criminal  of  the  insurgents,  who  fled  for  safety 
to  an  adjoining  state,  and  even  to  Canada,  when 
their  adherents  were  dispersed  by  general  Lincoln, 
afterwards  became  sensible  of  their  crimes,  and 
earnestly  prayed  for  liberty  to  return;  but  the  re- 
quest was  not  granted.  In  August,  a part  of  the 
troops  raised  in  June  were  discharged  ; and,  in 
September,  the  tranquil  situation  of  the  Common^ 
wealth  justified  the  disbanding  of  the  residue. 


316 


The  friends  of  good  government  and  of  consti- 
tutional liberty  rejoiced,  that  a dangerous  insurrec- 
tion, which  at  one  period  threatened  the  welfare 
of  the  whole  Commonwealth,  was  so  soon  sup- 
pressed, and  that  so  little  expense  and  bloodshed 
had  attended  the  decisive  measures  of  the  execu- 
tive. Although  there  was  cause  for  alarm,  at  a 
particular  time,  when  the  insurgents  found  many 
apologists  for  their  opposition  to  the  authority  of 
the  state,  the  citizens  generally  derived  great  sa- 
tisfaction in  reflecting  upon  the  firmness  and  wis- 
dom of  the  legislature,  and  the  success  which  at- 
tended the  plans  of  the  governor.  It  was  also  a 
flattering  eulogy  upon  the  measures  of  administra- 
tion, that  the  great  body  of  the  people  approved 
of  the  course  pursued  for  suppressing  the  rebel- 
lion, when  they  had  time  for  correct  information  ; 
and  that  most  of  the  insurgents  themselves  regret- 
ted the  part  they  had  taken  in  the  affair,  and  beg- 
ged to  share  in  the  favour  of  government.  The 
event  was  deeply  and  justly  regretted,  as  a stain 
upon  the  character  of  the  people  of  the  state  ; 
but  it  afforded  an  opportunity  to  show  the  strength 
of  a republican  government : and  the  union  of  firm- 
ness with  clemency  in  the  rulers,  served  to  attach 
the  citizens  more  strongly  to  the  constitution,  and 
to  convince  them  of  the  necessity  of  a supreme 
civil  authority  in  the  Commonwealth. 

The  efforts  which  had  been  made  by  many  of 
the  citizens  for  promoting  a spirit  of  industry  and 
economy,  were  not  without  effect;  and  the  opinion 
prevailed  of  the  importance  of  encouraging  various 
manufactures  in  the  country.  But  a great  change, 
so  as  to  check  a taste  for  foreign  superfluities,  and 
to  make  frugality  both  fashionable  and  practicable 


317 


could  be  only  gradually  introduced.  Commercial 
enterprises,  however,  increased,  although  attended 
with  great  embarrassments,  which  gave  employ- 
ment to  many  of  the  people ; and  products  of  the 
Commonwealth  were  ex[)orted  in  greater  quanti- 
ties, instead  of  specie.  The  legislature  was  de- 
sirous of  adopting  some  elfectual  means  for  restor- 
ing and  supporting  public  credit ; but  so  great  were 
the  demands  against  the  Commonwealth,  and  such 
the  inability  of  the  people  to  pay  the  taxes  as- 
sessed, with  punctuality,  that  the  paper  of  govern- 
ment was  much  below  the  j)ar  value,*  and  those 
who  were  obliged  to  dispose  of  it  made  great  sa- 
crifices of  property.  It  was  not  until  the  adoption 
of  the  federal  constitution,  and  the  decisive  mea- 
sures pursued  by  the  general  government  for  the 
payment  of  continental  debts,  that  the  public  pa- 
per rose  to  the  value  which  it  nominally  bore.  A 
great  part  of  the  taxes  assessed  at  this  period, 
and  for  several  preceding  years,  by  the  respective 
states,  was  for  discharging  debts  contracted  by 
promises  and  resolves  of  Congress,  but  which  were 
apportioned  among  the  states  according  to  their 
ditferent  population  and  property. 

The  General  Court  met  again  in  October,  as 
had  been  usual  for  many  years ; and  continued  in 
session  until  the  last  of  November.  The  governor 
informed  the  two  houses,  that  an  additional  tax 
would  be  necessary,  and  advised  that  those  which 
had  been  long  due  should  be  speedily  collected. 
Several  taxes  were  then,  in  great  part,  unpaid,  and 

**"  The  consolidated  notes,  as  they  were  called,  and  the  ar- 
my notes  were  sold,  at  this  time,  for  about  one  sixth  part  in 
specie^ 


318 


the  government  was  frequently  obliged  to  borrow, 
for  the  purpose  of  discharging  those  debts  which 
could  not  be  postponed  ;*  and  the  taxes  assessed,  as 
well  as  the  revenue  arising  from  impost  and  excise, 
pledged  for  payment.  The  legislature  directed,  that 
executions  be  Issued  against  those  collectors  who 
were  delinquents  for  the  years  1784  and  1785, 
and  that  a further  time  be  given  for  collecting  the 
two  last  taxes.  It  may  appear  singular,  that  a 
new  tax  should  be  ordered,  when  former  ones 
were  still  due,  and  even  further  delay  permitted 
for  collection ; but  in  some  towns  the  taxes  were 
more  promptly  paid ; and  some  relief  was  also 
given  to  public  creditors,  by  this  measure,  as  the 
treasurer  was  allowed  to  issue  orders  upon  the 
collectors  in  various  parts  of  the  state,  by  w^hich 
both  they  and  the  public  creditors  received  a pre- 
sent accommodation.  Some  idea  of  the  heavy  load 
of  taxes,  which  pressed  upon  the  people  at  this 
period,  may  be  formed,  not  only  from  the  fact, 
that  several  had  been  sent  out  through  the  state, 
and  remained  uncollected  from  a real  inability,  in 
many  cases,  to  discharge  them  ; but  by  consider- 
ing that  the  sum  of  300,000  dollars  was  necessary 
to  pay  the  interest  merely  of  the  debt  of  the 
Commonwealth.  x\rmy  notes  to  a large  amount 
were  also  now  due;  and  some  had  been  due  for 
one  and  two  years,  without  renewal.  The  whole 
dependence,  however,  was  not  on  the  direct  tax, 
but  a considerable  revenue  w^as  also  raised  by  the 
excise  and  by  imposts. 

So  urg'ent  were  the  demands  on  the  treasurer,  that  20,000 
dollars  were  applied  to  the  immediate  wants  of  government 
arising  from  the  impost,  though  it  had  been  expressly  engag- 
ed to  pay  off  army  notes  and  interest  on  the  public  debt. 


319 


That  no  financial  system  more  efficient  was 
adopted  this  year,  was  probably  to  be  attributed 
to  the  hope  of  a new  organization  of  the  general 
government,  which  would  be  vested  with  power 
to’regulate  foreign  commerce;  by  which  the  trade 
of  the  country  would  be  placed  in  a more  pros- 
perous state,  and  the  revenue  arising  from  it,  being 
much  increased,  would  be  at  the  disposal  of  that 
government  for  the  payment  of  the  continental 
debts. 

At  this  session  of  the  legislature,  the  governor 
communicated  the  federal  constitution  proposed  by 
the  convention,  then  recently  held  at  Philadelphia, 
by  delegates  from  each  of  the  states.  This  con- 
stitution, designed  to  give  more  power  to  the  legis- 
lature and  government  of  the  United  States,  than 
was  granted  by  the  articles  of  confederation,  and 
which  it  was  believed  the  pros[>erity  and  welfare  of 
the  country  required,  was  prepared  and  laid  before 
Congress,  in  September,  (1787)  with  a request 
that  it  be  forwarded  to  the  legislatures  of  the  se- 
veral states. 

The  governor  spoke  of  it  as  the  result  of  great 
deliberation,  and  of  a spirit  of  conciliation  in  some 
of  the  wisest  and  most  patriotic  citizens  of  the 
nation;*  and  suggested  the  necessity  of  calling  a 
convention  to  whom  it  must  be  submitted.  There 
was  some  opposition  even  to  the  examination  of 
the  instrument,  with  a view'  to  its  adoption.  But 
the  objection  to  a convention  W'as  overruled  by  a 
large  majority  in  the  General  Court ; and  it  was 

General  Washington,  Dr.  Franklin,  Madison,  and  Hamil- 
ton were  among  llie  number.  I he  delegates  from  Massachu- 
setts were  judge  Dana.  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Gorham,  Mr.  Storv 
and  Mr.  King. 


320 


provided  that  the  towns  should  be  notified  to  elect 
delegates,  in  the  same  manner  representatives  were 
chosen,  who  should  meet  in  January  following,  and 
determine  on  the  expediency  of  adopting  it. 

The  convention  met  in  Boston,  January  1788, 
and  consisted  of  360  members ; most  of  the  towns 
having  sent  the  full  number,  to  which  they  w^ere 
entitled  by  their  population.  His  excellency  go- 
vernor Hancock  was  chosen  president,  and  the 
honourable  William  Cushing,  chief  justice  of  the 
state,  vice-president.  A great  portion  of  the  con- 
vention had  strong  prejudices  against  the  constitu- 
tion. If  a vote  had  been  taken,  soon  after  they 
assembled,  it  would  probably  have  been  against  it. 
After  a discussion  of  several  weeks,  and  some  con- 
verts were  made  by  the  able  arguflaents  and  elo- 
quent appeals  of  its  more  decided  advocates,  there 
was  only  a majority  of  nineteen,  in  that  large  as- 
sembly, for  its  adoption. 

It  was  acknowledged  by  those  who  were  most 
desirous  of  adopting  it,  that  some  parts  of  it  were 
liable  to  objections.  But  the  opposition  of  many, 
who  were  prepared  to  reject  it,  was  evidently 
founded  in  prejudice  or  mistake.  When  the  con- 
stitution was  first  published,  it  was  represented  as 
giving  too  much  power  to  the  general  or  national 
government,  which  would  be  established  ; and  as 
lessening  or  interfering  with  the  authority  of  the 
individual  states,  to  such  an  extent  as  to  leave  them 
with  scarcely  the  name  of  sovereignty.  It  was 
conceded,  that  a federal  government  was  requisite 
for  some  general  objects,  and  for  regulating  com- 
merce and  the  intercourse  wuth  foreign  nations. 
But  it  was  feared,  that  the  authority  vested  in  a 
general  legislature,  as  proposed  in  the  constitution 


321 


would  produce  a concentration  of  all  political  pow- 
er in  that  body,  and  reduce  the  states  to  njerely 
municipal  corporations.  The  small  number  of  re- 
presentatives* in  Congress  and  the  privilege  of  the 
slave-holding  states,  to  choose  a greater  number, 
than  they  would  be  entitled  to,  if  only  the  free  in- 
habitants were  considered  ; were  also  believed  to 
be  great  defects  in  the  constitution.  It  was  fur- 
ther objected,  that  the  elections  were  not  annual. 
This  was  a popular  objection,  as  the  elections  in 
Massachusetts  had  always  been  for  a year  only. 
At  the  same  time,  it  was  admitted  that  the  coun- 
try was  sutfering  by  the  imbecility  of  the  confede- 
ration, and  that  greater  power  must  be  vested  in 
the  general  government,  in  order  to  promote  the 
welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  nation.  Some  also 
objected,  that  the  general  convention  had  exceed- 
ed the  powers  given  them,  which  were  confined 
to  an  alteration  of  the  articles  of  confederation : and 
yet  they  admitted,  that  without  a total  change  of 
that  system,  so  as  that  Congress  should  have  full 
authority  to  require  obedience  to  its  laws,  it  would 
not  afford  a remedy  for  the  evils  to  which  the 
country  was  then  subjected.f  But  in  addition  to 
some  real  defects  in  the  constitution,  or  to  objec- 
tions existing  in  the  minds  of  some  honest  men,  who 
yet  did  not  weigh  as  they  ought  the  evils  which 
would  follow  from  a rejection  of  it,  the  prejudices 
of  the  less  enlightened  part  of  the  people,  in  which 

* The  number  of  40,000  inhabitants  to  a representative 
was  reported,  and  once  voted  in  the  general  convention,  which 
prepared  the  constitution ; but  Washington  proposed  30,000, 
and  it  was  adopted- 

t See  Mr.  Gerry’s  letter  in  the  Appendix,  No.  4. 

VOL.  II.  41 


322 


may  be  included  several  of  the  delegates  to  the 
state  convention,  were  excited  by  the  sophistry  or 
misrepresentations  of  a few  men,  who  wrote  against 
the  instrument,  and  represented  it  as  an  abridg- 
ment of  the  liberties  of  the  people,  and  little  bet- 
ter than  monarchy  in  disguise. 

The  friends  of  the  proposed  constitution  believ- 
ed it  to  be  wisely  framed,  consistent  with  the  lib- 
erties of  the  people,  and  calculated  to  secure  the 
welfare  and  happiness  of  the  country.  They  con- 
sidered it  the  best  system  which  could  be  formed 
by  the  citizens  of  such  an  extensive  territory,  so  as 
to  meet  the  approbation  of  all;  and  the  only  one 
in  all  probability,  which  would  be  accepted.  They 
were  confident  the  freedom  and  interests  of  the 
people  would  not  suffer  by  elections  for  the  period 
provided;  but,  on  the  contrary,  that  the  nature  of 
the  government  and  the  extent  of  the  country  re- 
quired such  elections.  They  contended  that  the 
power  given  to  Congress  was  no  more  extensive 
than  was  necessary  to  accomplish  the  great  nation- 
al purposes,  which  all  were  desirous  the  general 
legislature  should  be  authorised  to  accomplish,  for 
the  honour  and  welfare  of  the  United  States  ; and 
they  argued,  that  there  would  not  be  the  interfe- 
rence between  the  national  and  state  governments, 
as  many  apprehended.  They  insisted,  that  the 
confederation  was  totally  incompetent  to  all  na- 
tional purposes ; and  that  general  bankruptcy  and 
anarchy  must  ensue  on  the  rejection  of  the  new 
constitution.  They  were  satisfied,  no  other  system 
could  be  formed,  with  so  few  defects  ; and  they 
feared  no  further  attempt  would  be  made  for  a na- 
tional or  united  government;  the  consequence  of 
which  would  be  frequent  and  violent  collisions  be- 


323 


tween  the  several  states.  The  constitution  ex- 
pressly recognized  the  people  as  the  fountain  of 
power,  whose  liberty  and  prosperity  it  was  intend- 
ed to  secure  and  promote  ; the  election  of  their  le- 
gislators and  rulers  was  still  with  them;  and  what- 
ever was  not  delegated  to  the  general  government 
was  reserved  to  the  people  and  to  the  states  re- 
spectively. 

Those  who  were  originally  opposed  to  the  con- 
stitution, were  not  easily  prevailed  to  accept  it, 
nor  would  they  acknowledge  their  objections  were 
removed.  It  is  probable  they  feared,  that  great 
abuses  of  power,  or  great  abridgment  of  their  li- 
berty would  be  the  consequence  of  a national  go- 
vernment with  such  extensive  authority;  and  that 
they  did  not  realize  the  evils  which  would  result 
from  its  rejection.  Many  were  disappointed,  how- 
ever, when  the  opponents  of  the  constitution  final- 
ly voted  against  it,  after  the  conciliatory  proposi- 
tion of  amendments  connected  with  it,  which  went 
to  remove  the  objections  they  made  to  the  instru- 
ment. But,  happy  for  Massachusetts,  and  for 
the  United  States,  a majority  of  votes  was  obtain- 
ed for  it;  which  probably  decided  the  opinion  of 
some  other  states  in  its  favour,  which  had  not 
then  acted  upon  the  subject,  and  in  which  a great 
portion  of  the  people  were  ready  to  object.  Ma- 
ny of  those  who  gave  their  vote  against  the  con- 
stitution might  have  been  as  honest  as  those  who 
advocated  it ; but  it  is  impossible  to  admit,  that 
they  had  as  great  wisdom  and  foresight.  There 
were  only  nineteen  votes  more  for  than  against  the 
constitution.  The  result  was  187  for,  and  1G8 
against  it.  Those  who  opposed  it  in  the  convention^ 
with  much  candour  and  patriotism,  declared  their 


324 


determination  to  support  it,  as  it  had  been  approved 
and  adopted  by  the  majority.  Those  who  were  de- 
cided and  active  in  its  favour,  and  by  whose  influ- 
ence it  was  accepted,  ranked  among  the  most  dis- 
tinguished patriots  of  the  state.*  They  were  per- 
suaaed  of  the  necessity  of  a general  government, 
with  much  more  extensive  power  than  Congress 
then  possessed ; and  knowing  the  distresses  and 
complaints  of  the  people,  and  the  difficulty  of 
forming  a federal  system  which  would  be  univer- 
sally approved,  they  concluded,  that  if  the  one 
then  presented  were  rejected,  there  would  be  no 
hope  of  a substitute;  and  that  anarchy  must  en- 
sue. Perhaps,  at  no  time  after  the  struggle  for 
independence,  had  the  country  been  in  so  great 
danger;  and  to  no  men  was  it  more  indebted  for 
preservation  from  ruin,  and  for  security  of  the 
blessings  of  good  government,  than  to  those  who 
procured  the  acceptance  of  the  federal  constitu- 
tion in  Massachusetts. 

No  objection  to  the  constitution  was  more  pow- 
erful than  that  arising  from  a tendency  to  a con- 
solidation of  the  states.  “ This,”  said  Mr.  Ames, 
“ was  an  effect,  which  all  good  men  would  depre- 
cate. The  state  governments,”  he  said,  “ were 
essential  parts  of  the  system.  The  senators  re- 
presented the  sovereignty  of  the  states ; in  the 
other  house,  the  whole  people  were  represented. 

These  were  Bowdoin,  Dana,  Strong,  Cabot,  Parsons,  Gor- 
ham, Ames,  Dawes,  Brooks,  Sedgwick,  Gore,  King,  J.C.  Jones, 
Jarvis,  &c.  Great  support  was  also  given  to  the  constitution 
by  governor  Hancock,  and  Hon.  S.  Adams,  though  they  did 
not  entirely  approve  of  every  article.  The  former  proposed 
amendments,  and  the  other  supported  them ; without  which 
the  constitution  would  probably  have  been  rejected. 


325 


If  the  senators  were  chosen  by  the  people,  as  the 
representatives  were,  a consolidation  of  the  state 
gov  ernments  would  ensue  ; which,  it  is  conceded, 
would  subvert  the  new  constitution.  Too  much 
provision  cannot  be  made  against  consolidation. 
The  state  governments  are  the  safeguards  and  or- 
nament of  the  federal  constitution — they  will  pro- 
tract the  period  of  our  liberties  ; they  will  afford 
a shelter  against  the  abuse  of  power,  and  will  be 
the  natural  avengers  of  our  violated  rights.”  Al- 
though extensive  power  was  vested  in  the  general 
government,  of  which  the  constitution  was  to  be 
the  foundation,  and  although  it  was  purposely  de- 
signed to  give  authority  to  a federal  legislature,  for 
the  welfare  of  the  United  States,  that  the  new 
constitution  had  been  formed,  still  it  was  believed 
by  a//,  that  no  power  was  to  be  claimed  by  the 
national  government  except  such  as  was  expressly 
given;  and  that  ail  besides  was  reserved  to  the  in- 
dividual states  and  to  the  people.  Had  it  been 
supposed,  that  authority  would  be  exercised,  foun- 
ded only  upon  construction  or  inference,  it  is  pro- 
bable the  constitution  would  not  have  been  adopt- 
ed by  a majority  of  the  states. 

Several  of  the  amendments  to  the  constitution, 
proposed  by  the  convention  in  Massachusetts,  were 
afterwards  approved  by  three-fourths  of  the  states, 
and  accordingly  became  a part  of  the  federal  com- 
pact. One  of  these  was,  “ that  the  powers  not 
delegated  to  the  United  States,  nor  prohibited  by 
it  to  the  states,  are  reserved  to  the  states  respec- 
tively, or  to  the  people.”  Another,  that  a state 
should  not  be  liable  to  a suit  from  a citizen  of  ano- 
ther state,  or  from  a foreign  citizen. 


320 


Virginia  and  New  York  proposed,  that  another 
general  convention  should  be  called  to  act  upon 
the  amendments  proposed  by  the  several  stales; 
and  the  governors  of  those  states  were  requested 
to  communicate  the  same  to  Massachusetts,  for  its 
concurrence  in  such  a measure.  When  governor 
Hancock  laid  those  propositions  before  the  legis- 
lature, he  expressed  an  opinion  of  the  inexpedien- 
cy of  the  plan ; and  stated,  that  the  proper  course 
to  pursue  would  be  to  urge  it  upon  Congress  to 
submit  the  proposed  amendments  to  the  legislatures 
of  the  several  states  for  their  approbation.  The 
majority  of  the  General  Court  approved  of  the 
governors  views  on  the  subject.  In  his  message 
he  spoke  of  the  federal  constitution  as  necessary 
to  render  the  United  States  really  independent^  and 
to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  country. 

The  acceptance  of  the  federal  constitution,  by 
the  convention  in  Massachusetts  afforded  much  sa- 
tisfaction to  its  advocates  in  other  states  ; and  par- 
ticularly in  those,  which  had  not  then  come  to  a 
decision  on  the  subject."^  The  citizens  of  Boston 
expressed  great  joy  on  the  occasion,  wdiich  was  ma- 
nifested by  a numerous  procession,  composed  of  all 
classes  and  trades,  with  their  respective  and  appro- 
priate badges,  more  extensive  and  imposing  than 
had  ever  been  witnessed  in  that  ancient  town. 
The  mechanics  had  suffered  for  w^ant  of  employ- 
ment, on  account  of  the  embarrassments  on  com- 
merce, and  the  great  importation  of  articles  of 
foreign  manufacture.  They  believed  that  domes- 
tic manufactures  would  be  encouraged,  and  that 

* General  Washington  expressed  great  satisfaction,  when 
he  learned  that  Massachusetts  had  adopted  it. 


327 


navigation  would  increase  and  furnish  profitable  oc- 
cupation to  a large  portion  of  the  people.  They 
were  not  disappointed  in  these  expectations.  It 
was  among  the  first  acts  of  Congress,  after  the  fe- 
deral constitution  was  adopted,  to  regulate  the  com- 
mercial intercourse  of  all  the  states  with  foreign 
places,  and  to  secure  greater  privileges  to  the  coun- 
try than  it  had  before  enjoyed.  An  uniform  sys- 
tem of  revenue  was  fortned,  by  laying  duties  on  all 
importations  into  the  United  States.  The  debts 
of  the  several  states,  incurred  for  the  defence  of 
the  whole  during  the  war,  were  assumed  by  Con- 
gress; in  consequence  of  which  those  states  which 
had  expended  more  than  their  proportion  would 
be  benefited  ; one  of  which  was  Massachusetts,  as 
had  been  before  believed  to  be  the  fact.  The 
continental  debt  was  also  funded,  and  the  faith  of 
Congress  pledged  for  payment,  of  which  the  pros- 
pect of  an  increasing  revenue  authorized  the  ful- 
filment. The  public  paper,  thereupon,  gradually 
arose  in  value  ; and  the  creditors  of  the  nation 
were  eventually  fully  satisfied.  This  prosperous 
condition  of  the  country  gave  a new  impulse  to 
business,  and  all  classes  of  people  found  sufficient 
employment.  The  credit  of  the  state  revived, 
also,  as  a great  part  of  its  debt  was  to  be  provided 
for  by  Congress;  and  the  legislature  discovered  a 
disposition  to  pay  the  creditors  of  the  Common- 
wealth such  part  of  their  demands  as  was  practica- 
ble, and  to  adopt  a system  by  which  funds  would 
be  secured  to  dlscharofc  the  residue  with  the  in- 

O 

terest  at  stated  periods.  The  state  debt,  however, 
was  large  ; and  for  some  time,  the  taxes,  including 
those  of  former  years  which  had  long  been  accu- 
mulating, bore  heavily  on  the  citizens  and  called 


•a 


328 


for  great  efforts  and  sacrifices.  The  tax  ordered 
for  this  year  (1788)  was  220,000  dollars;  and  a 
great  part  of  those  for  1785,  1786  and  1787,  re- 
mained to  be  paid  by  many  towns.^ 

Congress  appointed  an  agent  to  examine  the  ac- 
counts which  iMassachusetts  had  prepared  against 
the  United  States,  for  expenses  incurred  by  the 
Commonwealth  for  the  general  welfare,  and  which 
were  not  considered  exclusively  as  the  debt  of  the 
state.  These,  Indeed,  gave  a great  sum  ; as  the 
defence  of  the  state  was  not  allowed  to  be  carried 
to  the  national  account.  Of  the  former  claims, 
two  millions  and  an  half  of  dollars,  of  specie  value, 
v/ere  admitted,  without  hesitation  or  objection : 
and  also  eight  millions  of  the  old  currency,  which 
had  greatly  depreciated.  Besides  these  sums,, 
other  accounts  were  offered  of  six  millions,  which 
were  not  then  allowed,  as  the  instructions  of  the 
agent  did  not  authorize  it ; and  which  were,  there- 
fore, referred  to  a future  settlement.t  But  the 
greater  part  of  it  was  afterwards  admitted. 

In  the  course  of  this  year,  a quantity  of  copper 
was  issued  from  the  mint,  which  had  been  esta- 
blished by  order  of  the  legislature  in  1786.  It 
was  also  proposed  to  have  silver  coined;  but  Con- 
gress advised  against  the  measure,  upon  the  belief, 
that  coining  money  was  the  prerogative  of  the 
United  States  collectively  considered,  and  that  uni- 
formity would  be  for  the  greater  convenience  of 
the  people  in  all  parts  of  the  union.  Only  a small 

The  amount  of  arrears  of  former  taxes  was  about  a mil- 
lion of  dollars. 

. t Hon.  Nathan  Dane,  then  a member  of  Congress,  was  very 
attentive  to  the  claims  of  Massachusetts,  and  rendered  great 
Service  to  the  state. 


329 


amount  was  coined  ; and  the  next  year,  on  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  federal  government,  the  mint 
in  Massachusetts  was  discontinued. 

The  legislature  discovered  a disposition  in  fa- 
vour of  manufactures  ; and  governor  Hancock,  as 
his  predecessor  had  done  a year  before,  recom- 
mended, that  public  encouragement  be  given  to 
such  as  promised  to  be  useful,  and  for  which  the 
state  afforded  materials.  A duck  manufactory  was 
established  in  Boston,  and  a cotton  manufactory  in 
Beverly;  both  of  which  received  pecuniary  aid 
from  tlie  General  Court,  the  former  in  the  way  of 
bounty  upon  the  duck  manufactured,  and  tlie  other 
by  a grant  of  eastern  lands.  But  these  establish- 
ments were  very  limited  in  their  cifccts,  and  did 
not  long  continue  in  operation.  The  manufacture 
of  pot  and  pearl  ashes  increased  to  a great  extent 
in  the  interior  of  the  state,  and  supplied  those  Avho 
traded  to  England  with  a valuable  article  of  ex- 
portation. There  were  two  hundred  and  forty  es- 
tablishments of  this  kind  in  the  state,  at  this  pe- 
riod. Nails  were  also  manufactured,  in  some  towns, 
in  large  quantities.  The  state  was  much  benefited 
by  this  employment : for  the  demand  was  great 
for  the  article,  and  it  saved  the  specie  to  the  coun- 
try, which  would  otherwise  have  been  sent  abroad 
in  exchange  for  it. 

A law  was  passed  in  the  month  of  March  1788, 
forbidding  all  the  citizens  of  the  state  from  having 
any  concern  in  the  slave  trade.  Massachusetts 
had,  indeed,  always  condemned  the  practice  as  un- 
christian, and  inconsistent  with  the  common  rights 
of  humanity.  It  had,  also,'  before  this  period, 
abolished  the  odious  custom  of  slavery  through  the 
state.  If  any  of  the  citizens  had  been  concerned 

VOL.  ji.  42 


330 


in  such  inhuman  traffic,  it  was  unknown  to  the 
civil  authority  and  to  the  public.  The  occasion  of 
the  law,  at  this  particular  time,  was  the  seizing  of 
three  people  of  colour  by  the  captain  of  a vessel 
in  Boston,  and  taking  them  by  force  to  the  West 
Indies,  with  an  intention  to  make  sale  of  them.  The 
person  engaged,  in  thus  forcibly  taking  or  detain- 
ing any  negro,  for  the  purpose  of  transportation  as 
a slave,  was  subject  to  a heavy  penalty;  the  own- 
ers of  the  vessels  were  made  liable  in  a large  sum; 
the  insurance  was  to  be  void;  and  the  relations  of 
the  persons  kidnapped,  if  these  were  sold  in  a dis- 
tant country,  were  allowed  to  prosecute  for  the 
crime. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Mr.  Hancock  governor  ...  His  popularity  ...  Dispute  respecting  the  Cap- 
taincy of  the  Castle  and  of  the  salary  of  the  lieutenant  governor... 
Representatives  to  Congress ...  Number  and  mode  of  chosing  Electors 
of  President  and  Vice-President . . . Address  to  the  President ...  Two 
brass  field  pieces.  . . Mr.  Hancock  governor,  May  1789 . . . His  speech  . . . 
Law  for  Public  Schools  ...  Finances ...  New  Counties  in  Maine... 
Washington’s  visit . . . Effects  of  Federal  Government. 

In  1788,  Mr.  Hancock  was  again  elected  gover- 
nor of  the  Commonwealth  by  a very  general  vote, 
and  without  much  opposition.  It  was  not  to  be 
expected,  that  all  would  prefer  him ; and  as  he  had 
been  placed  in  the  chair,  the  year  preceding  by 
the  influence  of  those,  who  disapproved  of  the 
measures  adopted  by  Mr.  Bowdoin,  there  were 
many  in  the  state  who  could  not  give  him  their 
cordial  support.  But  his  administration  for  the 
year  past  had  not  been  such  as  to  justify  the  fear- 
ful anticipations  of  his  opponents.  If  he  had  not 
the  firmness  to  oppose  popular  errors,  or  to  act 
with  suitable  decision  and  energy  in  a time  of  ge- 
neral dissatisfaction  and  commotion,  such  as  had 
prevailed  in  the  time  of  Mr.  Bowdoin,  he  was  not 
disposed  to  compromit  the  dignity  of  government 
by  any  acts  of  weak  indulgence  towards  the  insur- 
gents. Perhaps,  no  man  in  the  Commonw'ealth 
had  talents  better  fitted  to  maintain  the  tranquillity 
of  society  and  the  necessary  authority  of  the  govern- 
ment, when  he  took  the  chair,  as  successor  to  Mr 


332 


Bowdoln.  General  Lincoln  was  chosen  lieutenant 
gov^ernor  for  this  year,  though  there  were  several 
others  proposed  as  candidates  for  the  office,  at  the 
time  of  the  elections.  He  possessed  the  most  es- 
timable qualities  as  a man,  and  was  celebrated  as 
a brave  and  judicious  officer  in  the  war  of  the  re- 
volution. He  had  also  repeatedly  been  elected  to 
the  legislature  and  to  the  council  board.  His  de- 
cision and  prudence  in  conducting  the  militia  raised 
by  government  to  suppress  the  insurrection,  had  in- 
creased the  public  confidence  in  his  character. 

The  conduct  of  the  governor,  this  year,  in  rela- 
tion to  the  captaincy  of  the  castle,  by  which  it  was 
believed  he  manifested  an  unfriendly  feeling  to- 
'wards  general  Lincoln,  was  a subject  of  public  dis- 
cussion ; and,  in  a portion  of  the  community,  of  se- 
vere censure.  By  some,  indeed,  the  course  he 
pursued  was  considered  arbitrary  and  unconsti- 
tutional. By  his  particular  recommendation,  an 
establishment  had  been  made  by  the  legislature, 
for  the  castle,  by  which  it  was  provided,  that  the 
executive  should  appoint  a captain  for  that  for- 
tress. The  lieutenant  governor  had  long  held  that 
office  ; and  received  for  it  certain  fees  and  perqui- 
sites, which  amounted  to  upwards  of  a thousand 
dollars.  These,  Mr.  Cushing,  the  predeces- 
sor of  general  Lincoln,  had  always  received  ; and 
no  other  allowance  was  made  for  him  by  the  legis- 
lature. General  Lincoln  received  none  of  these 
perquisites,  and  no  salary  was  annexed  to  the 
office.  In  the  month  of  November,  of  this  year, 
1788,  nearly  six  months  after  the  election  of  gene- 
ral Lincoln,  as  lieutenant  governor,  the  house  in- 
quired, whv  he  had  not  been  appointed  to  the 
command  of  the  castle,  having  a reference  chiefly 


333 


to  the  subject  of  compensation,  which  they  belier- 
ed  he  ought  to  receive.  The  governor  sent  a 
message  to  the  General  Court,  in  which  he  not  only 
claimed  the  right  to  fill  an  office,  at  such  time  as 
he  might  think  proper;  but  explicitly  declared  it 
his  opinion,  “ that  he  might  justly,  as  chief  magis- 
trate, refuse  to  carry  into  effect  a resolve  of  the 
Genera!  Court,  if  he  judged  it  would  involve  the 
state  in  an  unnecessary  expense Avhich  he  said  he 
supposed  would  be  the  case,  in  having  a captain  of 
the  castle  with  so  large  a compensation  as  had  been 
then  received.  It  was  the  doctrine  advanced  by 
the  governor,  rather  than  the  omission  of  appoint- 
.ing  a captain  to  the  castle,  which  was  condemned; 
though  many  failed  not  to  charge  him  with  a de- 
sign also  to  deprive  the  lieutenant  governor  of  the 
stipend,  which  his  predecessor  had  always  received. 
A committee  was  appointed  by  the  General  Court, 
at  the  winter  session,  to  consider  Avhat  allowance 
the  lieutenant  governor  should  have  for  his  ser- 
vices; and  their  report  gave  occasion  to  an  anima- 
ted debate  on  the  conduct  of  the  governor.  Tlie 
discussion  continued  several  days,  in  the  course  of 
Avhich,  resolutions  were  offered,  disapproving  of  the 
sentiments  of  the  governor  expressed  in  his  mes- 
sage of  November;  but  they  were  not  acceptable 
to  the  majority  of  the  house,  and  were  therefore 
rejected.  It  was  admitted  by  those  who  advocat- 
ed the  resolutions,  that  the  governor  had  a right 
to  decide  as  to  the  proper  time  for  making  appoint- 
ments; though  even  in  this,  there  might  be  an  un- 
justifiable delay,  for  which  he  Avas  responsible  to 
his  constituents  and  to  the  state  ; but  it  was  con- 
tended, that  ho  could  not  justly  prevent  the  ope- 
ration of  a law,  Avhich  tlie  legislature  had  passed. 


334 


The  committee  reported  a thousand  dollars,  as  a 
compensation  to  the  lieutenant  governor;  but  the 
house  reduced  it  to  five  hundred  and  thirty-three, 

A ditference  of  opinion  was  manifested  between 
the  two  houses  of  the  General  Court,  in  adopting 
an  answer  to  the  governor’s  message  communica- 
ted at  the  beginning  of  the  session.  It  was  the 
practice,  at  that  .fime,  for  the  two  houses  to  unite 
in  the  address  to  the  governor,  in  reply  to  his  pub- 
lic speeches.  But  on  this  occasion,  the  senate  and 
house  could  not  agree  in  an  answer;  and  the  re- 
presentatives voted  to  prepare  a separate  address. 
The  subject  of  disagreement  was,  at  this  session, 
relative  to  several  questions  which  came  before 
them;  particularly  with  reference  to  the  payment 
of  the  public  debt.  The  senate  were  decided  for 
some  provisions,  by  which  the  interest  would  be 
punctually  paid,  and  for  a larger  tax,  with  this 
view,  than  the  representatives  thought  expedient 
to  assess. 

There  was  also  a proposal  by  the  senate,  for  strik- 
ing out  a paragraph  in  the  original  draft  adopted 
by  the  house,  in  which  it  was  proposed,  as  the 
states  of  Virginia  and  New  York  had  done,  to  call 
a new  convention,  for  the  purpose  of  incorporating 
the  amendments  proposed  to  the  constitution,  into 
the  instrument,  before  any  general  government  was 
organized  under  it.  The  senate  were  opposed  to 
such  a measure,  as  of  fatal  tendency  ; and  agreed 
with  the  governor,  in  the  opinion  he  expressed  in 
his  speech,  that  all  which  was  proper  for  the  le- 
gislature to  do,  was  to  present  the  proposed  amend- 
ments to  the  Congress,  and  to  instruct  the  repre- 
sentatives from  the  state  to  that  body  to  use  their 
efforts  to  have  them  recommended  and  adopted. 


335 


Until  this  period,  the  delegates  to  Congress  had 
been  appointed  by  the  General  Court.  According 
to  the  federal  constitution,  they  were  now  to  be 
chosen  immediately  by  the  people.  For  the  first 
Congress,  Massachusetts  was  to  have  only  eight 
representatives.  The  state  was  divided  into  that 
number  of  districts,  for  the  purpose  of  electing 
one  representstive  in  each.  This  number  was  de- 
termined by  the  new  constitution ; but  was  not 
perfectly  agreeable  to  the  ratio  fixed  by  that  in- 
strument, for  future  years,  whicli  was  one  repre- 
sentative for  30,000  inhabitants.  The  population 
of  Massachusetts,  at  that  time,  entitled  her  to  more 
than  the  number  above  mentioned  ; but  no  census 
had  been  then  lately  taken,  and  the  number  of  in- 
habitants was  not  precisely  known  to  the  conven- 
tion.* At  the  first  trial,  only  four  representatives 
were  elected;  these  were  Fisher  Ames,  George 
Partridge,  George  Leonard,  and  George  Thatcher. 
Afterwards,  Elbridge  Gerry,  Benjamin  Goodhue, 
Jonathan  Grout,  and  Theodore  Sedgwick,  were 
chosen.  The  first  board  of  electors,  in  Massachu- 
setts, of  president  and  vice  president,  were  Wil- 
lira  Cushing,  William  Shepard,  William  Sever, 
Walter  Spooner,  David  Sewall,  Caleb  Davis,  Fran- 
cis Dana,  Samuel  Henshaw,  Samuel  Phillips,  jr. 
and  Moses  Gill. 

The  mode  prescribed  by  the  legislature  at  this 
time,  for  the  appointment  of  electors,  was  as  fol- 
lows— Two  persons  were  to  be  voted  for  in  each 
district,  and  the  General  Court  to  select  one  of 
the  two  who  should  receive  the  highest  number 
of  votes;  and  two  others  were  chosen  immediate- 

The  number  was  supposed  to  be  370,000  or  380,000. 


ly  by  the  legislature.  These  met  in  Boston,  on 
the  first  Wednesday  of  February,  1789,  and  garc 
in  their  votes  for  general  Washington  to  be  presi- 
dent, and  Hon.  John  Adams  to  be  vice  president, 
of  the  United  States. 

Soon  after  general  Washington  was  inducted 
into  the  office  of  president  of  the  United  States, 
the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  forwarded  him 
the  following  public  address. 

“ Sir, — Your  acceptance  of  your  present  exalted 
and  important  station,  affords  universal  joy  to  the 
people  of  Massachusetts.  They  have  long  felt 
the  most  grateful  sentiments  for  your  character, 
and  attachment  to  your  person.  And  they  reflect 
with  pleasure  on  the  ardour  which  your  presence 
inspired  in  the  alarming  and  novel  circumstances  of 
a war  within  their  country  and  against  their  civil 
security,  so  soon  restored  by  the  discipline  and 
success  of  the  army  under  your  command. 

“ The  unanimity  of  the  suffrages  of  these  states 
in  your  election,  is  no  less  a testimony  of  your 
merit,  than  of  the  gratitude  of  this  extensive  com- 
munity. They  have  declared,  by  investing  you 
with  the  powers  of  their  president,  their  confidence 
in  you,  from  their  experience  of  your  wisdom  and 
virtues,  and  they  delight  to  honour  you.  For 
your  services,  in  their  estimation,  will  yet  far  ex- 
ceed their  rewards. 

“ The  union  of  the  states,  by  a form  of  govern- 
ment, intended  to  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty, 
13  rendered  more  perfect  under  you,  as  their  chief. 
All  the  advantages  of  that  government,  of  our  na- 
tional independence  and  civil  liberty,  may  be  ra- 
tionally expected  under  your  administration.  From 
you,  we  shall  receive  those  examples  of  public  and 


337 


private  economy,  of  prudence,  fortitude  and  patri- 
otism, of  justice,  morality  and  religion,  which,  by 
the  aid  of  divine  providence,  insure  the  welfare  of 
a community. 

“ To  express  the  voice  of  our  constituents,  we 
join  in  the  congratulations  of  United  America,  on 
this  great  event,  and  we  earnestly  implore  the 
protection  of  Almighty  God  upon  your  person  and 
family  ; that  he  would  afford  you  his  divine  aid  in 
the  duties  of  your  important  station,  and  would 
long  continue  you  a blessing  to  the  United  States.” 

On  the  application  of  the  governor.  Congress 
ordered  two  brass  field  pieces  to  be  restored  to 
Massachusetts,  which  were  a part  of  the  four  that 
composed  the  whole  American  field  artillery,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war.  Con- 
gress ordered  the  following  inscription  to  be  put 
upon  them;  on  one — Hancock — sacred  to  liber- 
ty. This  is  one  of  four  cannon  which  constituted 
the  whole  train  of  field  artillery,  possessed  by  the 
British  colonies  of  North  America,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war,  on  the  19th  of  April  1775. 
This  cannon  and  its  fellow,  belonging  to  a number 
of  citizens  of  Boston,  were  used  in  many  engage- 
ments during  the  war.  The  other  two,  the  pro- 
perty of  the  government  of  Massachusetts,  were 
taken  by  the  enemy.”  On  the  other,  the  inscrip- 
tion was  ‘‘  Adams,”  with  the  same  explanation  and 
statement  as  on  the  former  one. 

Mr.  Hancock  was  elected  governor  again  in 
April  1789;  but  received  greater  opposition  than 
in  1788.  There  was  no  particular  accusation  pre- 
ferred against  him  for  improper  measures,  during 
the  former  political  year,  except  his  conduct  with 
regard  to  general  Lincoln,  the  lieutenant  governor; 

VOL.  II.  43 


338 


which,  by  many,  was  considered  not  only  unfriendly 
to  that  eminent  patriot,  but  arbitrary  in  itself,  and 
inconsistent  with  the  nature  of  the  government. 
His  most  zealous  adherents  proposed  Mr.  Samuel 
Adams  for  lieutenant  governor,  instead  of  general 
Lincoln ; and  this  circumstance  led  the  friends  of 
the  latter  to  support  Mr.  Bowdoin  for  governor, 
and  to  oppose  Mr.  Hancock  and  Mr.  Adams,  with 
more  than  ordinary  Avarmth.  The  various  pub- 
lications in  the  newspapers,  relating  to  the  elec- 
tion, contained  personal  allusions  and  bitter  crimi- 
nations, unknown  on  any  former  occasion.  Mr. 
Adams  Avas  elected  lieutenant  governor  for  this 
political  year.  Many  of  his  former  friends  were 
surprised,  that  he  and  Mr.  Hancock  Avere  on  the 
same  ticket,  as  they  had  differed  on  some  public 
measures  within  a feAV  years.  But  these  were  not 
on  material  points ; their  general  views  and  opi- 
nions Avere  similar;  and  they  had  long  been  asso- 
ciated in  the  political  affairs  of  the  state  and  the 
nation. 

The  governor  in  his  message,* **^  communicated 
soon  after  the  General  Court  was  organized,  ha\"- 
ing  spoken  Avith  great  approbation  of  the  federal 
government,  from  Avhich  he  said  important  and 
permanent  benefits  might  justly  be  expected,  ob- 
served— 

“But  it  ought  ever  to  be  remembered  that  no 
form  of  government,  or  mode  of  administration 
can  make  a vicious  people  happy  ; and  that  there- 
fore the  public  felicity  Avill  in  a great  measure  de- 
pend upon  the  practice  of  the  social  and  private 

* Incli«:position  prevented  his  attending  the  legislature  in 

person  during  this  session. 


339 


virtues  by  the  people  of  this  extensive  republic. — 
That  this  Commonwealth,  which  constitutes  an 
important  part  of  the  general  government,  may 
increase  its  own  prosperity,  while  it  promotes  that 
of  the  Union,  we  must  support  and  encourage  the 
means  of  learning,  and  all  institutions  for  the  edu- 
cation of  the  rising  generation ; an  equal  degree 
of  intelligence  being  as  necessary  to  a free  govern- 
ment, as  laws  are  for  an  equal  distribution  of  pro- 
perty. 

Our  wise  and  magnanimous  ancestors,  impress- 
ed with  this  idea,  Avere  very  careful  and  liberal  in 
the  establishment  of  institutions  for  this  purpose; 
among  which,  that  of  our  university  in  Cambridge, 
and  grammar  schools  in  the  several  towns  were  be- 
lieved very  important.  Erery  necessary  attention 
will  certainly  be  paid  to  the  former:  and  I cannot 
but  earnestly  recommend  to  your  inquiry,  the  reason 
^ why  the  latter  is  so  much  neglected  in  the  state."^' 
Should  any  new  laws  be  wanting  on  this  subject, 
you  cannot  do  your  country  a more  essential  ser- 
vice than  by  providing  them.” 

A law  was  passed  at  this  session,  requiring  all 
towns  with  two  hundred  families,  to  support  a 
grammar  school,  agreeably  to  former  usage  in  the 
province.  Towns  with  that  number  and  upwards, 
were  ordered  to  employ  for  .instructers  of  youth, 
those  who  had  been  educated  at  some  college,  and 
were  able  to  teach  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages. 
In  towns  where  the  inhabitants  were  less,  it  was 

* It  is  a matter  of  regret  with  many,  that,  since  the  time 
when  governor  Hancock  gave  the  above  opinion  and  advice, 
the  provision  by  law  for  grammar  schools  has  been,  in  a great 
measure,  virtually  onn ailed. 


340 


required,  that  such  as  were  qualified  to  teach  the 
English  language  correctly,  should  be  engaged  in 
the  business  of  education.  Great  benefits  were 
derived  from  this  and  former  laws,  containing  simi- 
lar provisions,  to  the  people  of  Massachusetts.  In 
later  periods,  the  law^s  of  the  Commonwealth  have 
only  required  instruction  in  the  English  language ; 
which  has  not  only  obliged  those  who  desire  a 
knowledge  of  the  Greek  or  Latin,  to  go  to  dis- 
tant places  in  order  to  acquire  them  ; but  has  low- 
ered the  character  and  qualifications  of  instructors  ; 
the  evils  of  wdiich  are  apparent  to  those  who 
compare  the  present  with  past  times. 

The  preamble  to  this  law,  “ providing  for  the 
instruction  of  youth  and  the  promotion  of  good 
education,”  w^as  as  follows — “Whereas  the  con- 
stitution of  this  Commonwealth  hath  declared  it 
to  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Court  to  provide 
for  the  education  of  youth ; and  whereas  a general 
dissemination  of  knowledge  and  virtue  is  necessary 
to  the  prosperity  of  every  state,  and  the  very  ex- 
istence of  a Commonwealth.”  The  governor  had 
expressed  similar  sentiments  in  his  speech,  at  the 
beginning  of  the  session.  From  the  earliest  set- 
tlement of  the  country,  the  benefits  arising  from 
affording  the  means  of  information  to  youth  of  all 
classes  and  conditions  were  acknowledged  ; and  it 
was  also  admitted,  that,  to  such  as  desired  it,  the 
opportunity  should  be  furnished  of  gaining  an  ac- 
quaintance whh  ancient  literature. 

During  this  session  (June  1789,)  a committee  of 
finance  was  appointed  to  “ inquire  into  the  several 
expenditures,  and  see  if  any  savings  can  be  made; 
to  inquire  into  the  state  of  all  outstanding  taxes 
and  of  all  debts  due  to  the  Commonw^ealth ; into 


341 


the  state  of  the  revenue  arising  from  impost  and 
excise;  and  to  see  what  deductions  will  be  conse- 
quent, upon  the  treasury,  by  the  operation  of  lede- 
ral  laws : and  to  devise  means  for  increasing  the 
public  revenue.”  A few  days  after,  this  committee 
reported,  “ that  the  debt  of  the  state  was  1,400 
000/.,  the  interest  to  which  the  Commonwealth 
Avas  liable,  annually,  was  somewhat  more  than  100, 
000/.  This,  it  was  stated,  would  be  reduced  by 
receipts  on  the  sales  of  the  lands  in  New  York 
300,000/. ; by  a year’s  interest,  then  due  on  that 
sum,  and  by  the  sale  of  continental  certihcates, 
90,000/. ; which  had  then  recently  been  given  by 
Congress  as  evidence  of  claims,  to  that  amount  in 
favour  of  the  Commonwealth,  already  settled.- 
According  to  this  exhibit,  the  amount  to  be  pro- 
vided for  was  about  1,081,000/.;  the  interest  of 
which  was  64,000/.  To  this  Avas  to  be  added 
15,000/.  estimated  as  necessary  for  the  civil  list. 
It  Avas  believed  that  the  excise  would  give 
half  this  sum  ; and  it  Avas  recommended,  that  the 
other  moiety  should  be  raised  by  a diiect  tax. 
And  the  committee  stated,  that  this  amount  Avas 
less  by  10,000/.  than  was  assessed  upon  the  pro- 
vince from  1763  to  1770.  Several  members  ob- 
jected to  any  direct  tax,  at  this  time,  on  account  of 
the  taxes  laid  in  several  former  years  and  then  re- 
quired by  the  General  Court  to  be  iu}medlately 
collected.  Some  of  the  representatives  appeared 
to  have  little  concern  for  th.e  credit  of  the  Com- 
monAvealth,  and  were  chiefly  anxious  for  the  relief 
of  their  constituents,  Avho  Avere  still  compiainlng 
loudly  of  the  public  burdens. 

The  county  of  Lincoln,  which  included  the  east- 
erly part  of  the  district  of  Maine,  a large  territory. 


> 342 


extending  on  the  sea-coast,  two  hundred  miles,  from 
the  river  Kennebec*  to  St.  Croix,  the  boundary 
between  the  United  States  and  the  British  pro- 
vince of  New  Brunswick,  was  divided  into  three 
shires.  The  two  new  ones  formed  were  called  Han- 
cock and  Washington.  The  separation  of  Maine 
was  again  proposed  by  a convention  at  Portland,  in 
1788,  which  presented  a petition  to  the  legislature 
to  further  the  design.  The  petition  was  before 
the  General  Court  some  time,  but  it  was  not  grant- 
ed; for  it  did  not  appear  that  the  majority  of  the 
people  were  desirous  of  becoming  a distinct  state. 
The  dispute  still  continued,  as  to  the  true  bounda- 
ry of  the  state  on  the  east ; and  the  national  go- 
vernment being  now  formed,  the  legislature  re- 
quested the  governor  to  make  application  to  the 
president  of  the  United  Slates  to  take  measures 
for  ascertaining  the  line  of  division,  according  to 
the  treaty  with  Great  Britain  in  1783.  The  dis- 
pute was  afterwards  amicably  settled,  under  the 
authority  of  the  federal  government. 

In  the  month  of  October  of  this  year,  president 
Washington  made  a tour  through  the  northern 
states ; and  his  reception  in  Boston,  the  capital  of 
Massachusetts,  both  by  the  citizens  of  the  town 
and  by  the  supreme  executive  of  the  Common- 
wealth, were  such  as  had  never  before  been  given 
to  any  individual.  All  classes  of  people  were  re- 
presented in  the  procession,  formed  to  meet  and 
escort  him  into  the  town  ; and  the  highest  officers 
in  the  state  united  in  this  expression  of  respect  to 
the  truly  illustrious  character  of  the  nation’s  civil 

* The  county  of  Lincoln  included  some  towns  on  the  west 
of  this  river. 


34S 


and  military  chief.  The  people  were  universally 
animated  with  all  those  sentiments  of  gratitude 
and  veneration  for  their  distinguished  benefactor, 
which  a sense  of  his  eminent  virtues  and  services 
was  calculated  to  inspire ; and  manifested  their 
feelings  by  every  suitable  demonstration  of  joy  and 
exultation.  The  visit  of  Washington  gave  great 
satisfaction  to  the  people  ; but  it  was  scarcely  pos- 
sible to  increase  the  esteem  and  admiration  in 
which  his  character  was  already  held.  The  lieu- 
tenant governor  and  members  of  the  executive 
council,  the  selectmen  of  Boston  and  other  munici- 
pal and  state  officers,  with  an  immense  number  of 
citizens,  met  the  president  at  the  bounds  of  the 
tow^n,  to  bid  him  welcome,  and  to  accompany  him 
to  his  place  of  residence.  After  his  arrival,  he  re- 
ceived an  affectionate  and  respectful  address  from 
the  selectmen,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  Boston;  to  which  he  replied,  in  a style 
complimentary  to  the  patriotism  and  virtue  of  the 
citizens  of  that  ancient  town.  The  following  ad- 
dress was  also  presented  him  by  the  governor  and 
council. 

We  meet  you,  sir,  at  this  time,  with  our  hearts 
replete  with  the  warmest  affection  and  esteem,  to 
express  the  high  satisfaction  we  feel  in  your  visit 
to  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

“ We  can  never  forget  the  time^  when,  in  the 
earliest  stage  of  the  Avar,  and  the  day  of  owr  great- 
est calamity,  we  saw  you  at  the  head  of  the  army 
of  the  United  States,  commanding  troops,  deter- 
mined, though  then  undisciplined,  by  your  wisdom 
and  valour,  preventing  a sanguinary  and  well  ap- 
pointed army  of  our  enemies,  from  spreading  de- 
vastation through  our  country,  and  sooner  than  we 


344 


had  reason  to  expect,  obliging  them  to  abandon 
the  capital. 

“We  have  since  seen  you  in  your  high  com- 
mand, superior  to  the  greatest  fatigues  and  hard- 
ships, successfully  conducting  our  armies  through  a 
long  war,  until  our  enemies  were  compelled  to  sub- 
mit to  terms  of  peace;  and  acknowledged  that  in- 
dependence which  the  United  States  in  Congress 
assembled,  had  before  asserted  and  proclaimed. 

“ We  now  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  a 
still  more  exalted  station,  to  which  you  have  been 
elected  by  the  unanimous  suffrages  of  a free,  vir- 
tuous and  grateful  country.  From  that  attach- 
ment, which  you  manifestly  discovered  while  in 
your  military  command,  to  the  civil  liberties  of 
your  country,  we  do  assure  ourselves,  that  you  will 
ever  retain  this  great  object  in  your  view,  and  that 
your  administration  will  be  happy  and  prosperous. 

“It  is  our  earnest  prayer,  that  the  divine  Bene- 
diction may  attend  you  here  and  hereafter  ; and  we 
do  sincerely  wish  that  you  may,  through  this  life, 
continue  to  enjoy  that  greatest  of  earthly  blessings, 
to  be  accepted  by  “ the  multitude  of  your  bre- 
thren.” 

To  which  general  Washington  replied  as  fol- 
lows— 

“Gentlemen,  to  communicate  the  peculiar  plea- 
sure which  I derive  from  your  affectionate  wel- 
come of  me  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachu- 
setts, requires  a force  of  expression  beyond  that 
which  I possess.  I am  truly  grateful  for  your 
goodness  towards  me,  and  I desire  to  thank  you 
with  the  unfeigned  sincerity  of  a feeling  heart. 

“ Your  obliging  remembrance  of  my  military  ser- 
vices, is  among  the  highest  compensations  they  can 


345 


receive ; and  If  rectitude  of  Intention  may  author- 
ize the  hope,  the  favourable  anticipation,  vvlilch 
you  are  pleased  to  express  of  my  civil  administra- 
tion, will  not,  I trust,  be  disappointed.  It  is  your 
ha|)j)iness,  gentlemen,  to  preside  in  the  councils  of 
a Commonwealth,  where  the  pride  of  independ- 
ence is  well  assimilated  with  the  duties  of  society  ; 
and,  where  the  industry  of  the  citizen  gives  the 
fullest  assurance  of  public  respect  and  private  pros- 
perity. I have  observed  too,  with  singular  satis- 
faction, so  becoming  an  attention  to  the  militia  of 
the  state,  as  presents  the  fairest  prospect  of  sup- 
port to  the  invaluable  objects  of  national  prosperi- 
ty and  peace.  Long  may  these  blessings  be  con- 
tinued to  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts! 
And  may  you,  gentlemen,  in  your  individual  capa- 
cities, experience  every  satisfaction,  which  can  re- 
sult from  public  honour  and  private  happiness.” 

In  a[)polntlng  to  office  under  the  federal  govern- 
ment, general  Washington  selected  those  who  had 
been  distinguished  by  their  zeal  and  patriotism  du- 
ring the  war  of  the  revolution.  And  his  appoint- 
ments were  bestowed  on  none  but  men  of  integri- 
ty and  talents,  which  fully  qualified  them  for  the 
stations  in  which  they  were  placed.  This  policy 
was  approved  by  all  impartial  men;  and  yet  Mr. 
Jefferson,  who  succeeded  to  the  presidency,  some 
years  after  general  Washington  declined  it,  remov- 
ed some  of  the  revolutionary  characters  from  the 
olfices  they  held,  merely  for  dlfierence  of  political 
opinions,  on  subjects  or  measures  of  minor  conside- 
ration, which  did  not  implicate  their  patriotism  or 
their  republican  principles. 

A question  was  long  and  warmly  agitated  in  the 
General  Court  during  this  political  year,  respecting 
voi:.  II.  44 


34G 


the  eligibility  of  an  otiicer  in  the  federal  govern- 
ment to  a seat  in  the  legislature  of  the  state.  The 
judge  of  a district  court,  the  attorney  and  marshal 
of  the  district,  were  then  members  of  the  legisla- 
ture of  Massachusetts."^  A committee  was  first 
appointed  in  the  senate,  which  reported,  that  the 
seat  of  Mr.  Jackson,  a member  of  that  board, 
from  Essex,  in  consequence  of  his  receiving  and  ac- 
cepting the  appointment  of  marshal  of  the  district, 
by  which  he  had  become  an  officer  of  the  general 
government,  was  vacated:  but  the  report  was  re- 
jected in  the  senate,  by  thirteen  votes  to  eleven. 

In  the  house,  the  decision  was  different,  on  a si- 
milar question  relating  to  two  of  their  members  ; 
being  137  to  24.  The  report,  however,  which 
gave  a full  and  decided  opinion  of  their  ineligibili- 
ty, like  that  made  in  the  senate,  was  not  proposed 
for  acceptance  ; but  on  the  question,  substituted 
for  the  report,  whether  persons  holding  office 
under  the  United  States,  similar  to  those  declared 
by  the  constitution  of  this  Commonwealth  incom- 
patible with  their  holding  seats  in  the  legislature 
thereof,  can  have  a constitutional  right  to  retain 
their  seats  in  this  house  ?” — after  a debate  of 
great  length,  it  was  decided  in  the  manner  men- 
tioned above. 

It  was  contended,  by  those  in  favour  of  the  re- 
port, that  uniformity  and  analogy  forbid  the  eligi- 
bility of  such  officers  of  the  federal  government  to 
a seat  in  the  legislature,  as  were  similar  to  those 
excluded  from  it,  if  officers  in  the  state.  And  that 

David  Sevvall  of  Maine,  who  had  been  appointed  judge 
of  the  district  court,  and  Christopher  Gore,  who  had  been  ap- 
pointed district  attorney,  were  members  of  the  house ; J. 
Jackson,  appointed  marshal,  was  a member  of  the  senate. 


347 


there  would  be  an  improper  and  dangerous  inllu- 
ence  exerted  by  federal  officers,  if  permitted  to  be 
legislators  of  the  Commonwealth.  On  the  other 
side,  it  was  argued,  that  the  reasons,  which  render- 
ed it  improper  for  certain  j)ublic  officers  of  the 
state  to  have  seats  in  the  legislature,  did  not  hold 
with  regard  to  officers  of  the  United  Stales  ; and 
that,  as  there  was  not  an  express  or  clear  incom- 
patibility in  the  constitution,  they  could  not  be 
justly  excluded.  There  was  a great  jealousy  of 
the  federal  government,  at  that  early  |)erlocl,  on 
the  minds  of  many  of  the  citizens  ; but,  in  later 
years,  less  fear  or  hostility  towards  it  have  been 
cherished ; and  in  many  instances,  men  holding 
office  under  the  general  government,  have  exerted 
a great  influence,  in  directing  the  concerns  of  asin- 
o[le  state. 

O • • • 

Under  the  auspicious  influence  of  the  federal 
government,  a mutual  confidence  was  strengthened 
among  the  citizens  of  the  Commonwealth  and  of 
the  United  States  ; the  common  employments  and 
arts  of  life  were  encouraged  ; commercial  enter- 
prizes  increased;  the  credit  of  government  was  re- 
stored, by  wise  and  efficient  provisions  in  the 
finances  of  the  country,  the  regulation  of  foreign 
commerce  and  the  uniform  collection  of  a revenue  ; 
and  the  nation  made  rapid  advances,  from  a stale 
of  embarrassment  and  imbecility,  to  w'calth,  power 
and  respectability. 


1 - ’ : <-v " ' 


V ’ 

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APPENDIX 


No.  I.  Pages,  140,  169. 

A Constitution  and  FoKMof  Government  for  the 
State  of  Mass/ichusetts  Bay,  agreed  upon  by  the 
Convention  of  said  State,  February  28tb,  1778  ; to  be 
laid  before  the  several  towns  and  plantations  in  said 
State,  for  their  approbation  or  disapprobation. 

State  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 

In  CoNVE^TION,  February  28tb,  1778. 

Whereas,  upon  the  declaration  of  independence,  made  by 
the  representatives  of  the  United  States,  in  Congress  assem- 
bled, by  which  all  connexions  between  the  said  states  and 
Great  Britain  were  dissolved,  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
state  thought  it  expedient,  that  a new  constitution  of  govern- 
ment for  this  state  should  be  formed ; and,  apprehending  that 
they  were  not  invested  with  suflicient  authority  to  deliberate 
and  determine  upon  so  interesting  a subject,  did,  on  the  fifth 
day  of  May,  1777,  for  affecting  this  valuable  purpose,  pass  the 
following  resolve — 

“ Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is  recommended  to  the 
several  towns  and  places  in  this  state,  empowered  by  the  laws 
thereof,  to  send  members  to  the  General  Assembly,  that,  at 
their  next  election  of  a member  or  members  to  represent 
them,  they  make  choice  of  men,  in  whose  integrity  and  ability 
they  can  place  the  greatest  confidence  ; and,  in  addition  to  the 
common  and  ordinary  powers  of  representation,  instruct  them 
with  full  powers,  in  one  body  with  the  council,  to  form  such  a 


APPENDIX. 


3, '50 

constitution  of  government  as  they  shall  judge  best  calculated 
to  promote  the  happiness  of  this  state  ; and  when  completed, 
to  cause  the  same  to  be  printed  in  all  the  Boston  newspapers, 
and  also  in  handbills,  one  of  which  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
selectmen  of  each  town,  or  the  committee  of  each  plantation, 
to  be  by  them  laid  before  their  respective  towns  or  planta- 
tions, at  a regular  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  thereof,  to  be 
called  for  that  purpose,  in  order  to  its  being,  by  each  town 
and  plantation,  duly  considered,  and  a return  of  their  appro- 
bation or  disapprobation  to  be  made  into  the  secretary’s  office 
of  this  state,  at  a reasonable  time,  to  be  fixed  upon  by  the 
General  Court ; specifying  the  numbers  present  at  such  meet- 
ing voting  for,  and  those  voting  against  the  same  ; and,  if 
upon  a fair  examination  of  said  returns,  by  the  General  Court, 
or  such  a committee  as  they  shall  appoint  for  that  purpose, 
it  shall  appear,  that  the  said  form  of  government  is  approved 
of  by  at  least  two  thirds  of  those  who  are  free,  and  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  belonging  to  this  state,  and  present  in  the 
several  meetings,  then  the  General  Court  shall  be  empowered 
to  establish  the  same  as  the  constitution  and  form  of  govern- 
ment of  the  state  of  Massachusetts  Bay  ; according  to  which 
the  inhabitants  thereof  shall  be  governed  in  all  succeeding 
generations,  unless  the  same  shall  be  altered  by  their  express 
direction,  or  at  least  of  two  thirds  of  them.  And  it  is  further 
recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns,  in  the 
return  of  their  precepts  for  the  choice  of  representatives,  to 
signify  their  having  considered  this  resolve,  and  their  doings 
thereon 

And  whereas  the  good  people  of  this  state,  in  pursuance  of 
the  said  resolution,  and  reposing  special  trust  and  confidence 
in  the  council  and  in  their  representatives,  have  appointed, 
authorized  and  instructed  their  representatives,  in  one  body 
with  the  council,  to  form  such  a constitution  of  government 
as  they  shall  judge  best  calculated  to  promote  the  happiness 
of  this  state,  and  when  completed,  to  cause  the  same  to  be 
published  for  their  inspection  and  conaideraiion  : 


APPENDIX. 


351 


We,  therefore,  the  council  and  representatives  of  the  people 
of  the  state  of  Massaclmsetts  Bay,  in  convention  assembled, 
by  virtue  of  the  power  delegated  to  us,  and  acknowledging  our 
dependence  upon  the  all  wise  Governor  of  the  universe  for 
direction,  do  agree  upon  the  following  form  of  a constitution 
of  government  for  this  state,  to  be  sent  out  to  the  people, 
that  they  may  act  thereon,  agreeably  to  the  aforesaid  resolve. 

I.  There  shall  be  convened,  held  and  kept,  a General 
Court,  upon  the  last  Wednesday  in  the  month  of  May  of  every 
year,  and  as  many  other  times  as  the  said  General  Court  shall 
order  and  appoint : which  General  Court  shall  consist  of  a 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  to  be  elected  as  this 
constitution  hereafter  directs. 

II.  There  shall  be  elected  annually  a governor  and  lieute- 
nant governor,  who  shall  each  have,  by  virtue  of  such  elec- 
tion, a seat  and  voice  in  the  senate ; and  the  style  and  title  of 
the  governor  shall  be  His  Excellency;  and  the  style  and  title 
of  the  lieutenant  governor  shall  be  His  Honour. 

III.  No  person  shall  be  considered  as  qualified  to  serve  as 
governor,  lieutenant  governor,  senator  or  representative,  un- 
less qualified  respectively  at  the  lime  of  their  several  elec- 
tions as  follows,  viz:  The  governor  and  lieutenant  governor 
shall  have  been  inhabitants  of  this  state  five  years  immediate- 
ly preceding  the  time  of  their  respective  election ; the  go- 
vernor shall  be  possessed,  in  his  own  right,  of  an  estate  of 
the  value  of  one  thousand  pounds,  whereof  five  hundred  pounds 
value,  at  the  least,  shall  be  in  real  estate,  within  this  state ; 
the  lieutenant  governor  shall  be  possessed,  in  his  own  right, 
of  an  estate  of  the  value  of  five  hundred  pounds,  two  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds  thereof,  at  the  least,  to  be  in  real  estate, 
within  this  state  : a senator  shall  be  possessed,  in  his  own 
right,  of  an  estate  to  the  value  of  four  hundred  pounds,  two 
hundred  pounds  thereof,  at  the  least,  to  be  in  real  estate,  ly- 
ing in  the  district  for  which  he  shall  be  elected.  A represen- 
tative shall  be  possessed  in  his  own  right,  of  an  estate  to  the 
value  of  two  hundred  pounds,  one  hundred  pounds  thereof,  at 


352 


APPENDIX. 


the  least,  to  be  in  real  estate  lying  in  the  town  for  which  he 
shall  be  elected.  Senators  and  representatives  shall  have 
been  inhabitants  of  districts  and  towns  for  which  they  shall 
be  respectively  elected,  one  full  year  immediately  preced- 
ing such  election  ; provided,  that  when  two  or  more  towns 
join  in  the  choice  of  a representative,  they  may  choose  an  in- 
habitant of  either  of  said  towns,  being  otherwise  qualified  as 
this  article  directs. 

IV.  The  judges  of  the  superior  court,  secretary,  treasurer- 
general,  commissary-general,  and  settled  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel, while  in  office  ; also  all  military  officers,  while  in  the 
pay  of  this  or  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  considered  as  dis- 
qualified for  holding  a seat  in  the  General  Court ; and  the 
judges  and  registers  of  probate,  for  holding  a seat  in  the  se- 
nate. 

V.  Every  male  inhabitant  of  any- town  in  this  state,  being 
free  and  twenty-one  years  of  age,  excepting  negroes,  Indians, 
and  mulattoes,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  for  a representative  or 
representatives,  as  the  case  may  be,  in  the  town  where  he  is 
resident ; provided  he  has  paid  taxes  in  said  town  (unless  by 
law  excused  from  taxes)  and  been  resident  therein  one  full 
vear,  immediately  preceding  such  voting,  or  that  such  tow  n 
has  been  his  know  n and  usual  place  of  abode  for  that  time,  or 
that  he  is  considered  as  an  inhabitant  thereof ; and  every 
such  inhabitant  qualified  as  above,  and  worth  sixty  pounds 
clear  of  all  charges  thereon,  shall  be  entitled  to  put  in  his 
vote  for  governor,  lieutenant  governor  and  senators : and  all 
such  voting  for  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  senators  or  re- 
presentatives shall  be  by  ballot,  and  not  otherwise. 

VI.  Every  incorporated  town  within  this  state  shall  be  en- 
titled to  send  one  representative  to  the  General  Court:  any 
town  having  three  hundred  voters  may  send  two  ; having  five 
hundred  and  twenty  voters  may  send  three  ; having  seven 
hundred  and  sixty  may  send  four;  and  so  on,  making  the  in- 
creasing number  necessary  for  another  member,  twenty  more 
than  the  last  immediately  preceding  increasing  number,  till 


APPENDIX. 


353 


the  whole  number  of  voters  in  any  town  are  reckoned.  And 
each  town  shall  pay  the  expense  of  its  own  representative  or 
representatives ; and  the  inhabitants  of  any  two  or  more  towns, 
who  do  not  incline  to  send  a representative  for  each  town, 
may  join  in  the  choice  of  one,  if  they  shall  so  agree. 

VII.  The  selectmen  of  each  town  shall  sometime  in  the 
month  of  April,  annually,  issue  their  warrant  or  warrants,  under 
their  hands  and  seals,  directed  to  some  constable  or  constables, 
within  their  towns,  respectively,  requiring  him  or  them  to  no- 
tify the  inhabitants  qualified  to  vote  for  a representative,  to 
assemble  in  some  convenient  place  in  such  town,  for  the 
choice  of  some  person  or  persons,  as  the  case  may  be,  to  re- 
present them  in  the  General  Court  the  ensuing  year  : the 
time  and  place  of  meeting  to  be  mentioned  in  the  warrant  or 
warrants  for  calling  such  meeting.  And  the  selectmen  of  each 
town  respectively,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  make  re- 
turn of  the  name  or  names  of  the  person  or  persons  elected 
by  the  major  part  of  the  voters  present,  and  voting  in  such 
meeting,  to  represent  said  town  in  the  General  Court  the  en- 
suing year,  into  the  secretary’s  office,  on  or  before  the  last 
Wednesday  of  May  then  next  ensuing:  and  when  two  or  more 
towns  shall  agree  to  join  for  such  choice,  the  major  part  of 
the  selectmen  of  those  towns  shall,  in  the  manner  above  di- 
rected, warn  a meeting  to  be  held  in  either  of  the  said  towns, 
as  they  shall  judge  most  convenient,  for  that  purpose,  and 
shall  make  return  as  aforesaid,  of  the  person  chosen  at  such 
meeting. 

VIII.  The  number  of  senators  shall  be  twenty-eight  (exclu- 
sive of  the  governor  and  lieutenant  governor)  their  election 
shall  be  annual,  and  from  certain  districts,  into  which  the  state 
shall  be  divided,  as  follows,  viz. : The  middle  district  to  con- 
tain the  counties  of  Suffolk,  Essex  and  Middlesex,  within  which 
ten  senators  shall  be  elected  : the  southern  district  to  contain 
the  counties  of  Plymouth,  Barnstable,  Bristol,  Dukes  county 
and  Nantucket,  within  which  six  senators  shall  be  elected : 
the  western  district  to  contain  the  counties  of  Hampshire, 

VOL.  ir.  \ 5 


APPENDIX. 


3r>4 

AVorcester  and  Berkshire,  within  which  eight  senators  shall 
be  elected  : the  northern  district  to  contain  the  counties  of 
York  and  Cumberland,  within  which  three  shall  be  elected : 
the  eastern  district  to  contain  the  county  of  Lincoln,  within 
which  one  shall  be  elected.  And  as  the  numbers  of  inhabi- 
tants in  the  several  districts  may  vary,  from  time  to  time,  the 
General  Court  shall,  in  the  way  they  shall  judge  best,  some 
time  in  the  j'ear  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety,  and 
once  in  twenty  years  ever  after,  order  the  number  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  several  districts  to  be  taken,  that  the  senators 
may  be  apportioned  anew  to  the  several  districts,  according  to 
the  numbers  of  the  inhabitants  therein.  And  the  General  Court 
may,  at  such  new  appointment,  increase  the  number  of  sena- 
tors to  be  chosen  as  they  may  see  tit ; provided  that  the 
whole  number  shall  never  exceed  thirty-six,  exclusive  of  the 
governor  and  lieutenant  governor. 

IX.  The  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns  in  this  state,  quali- 
fied as  this  constitution  directs,  shall,  on  the  first  Wednesday 
in  the  month  of  November,  annually,  give  in  their  votes  in 
their  respective  towns,  at  a meeting  which  the  selectmen 
shall  call  for  that  purpose,  for  senators  for  the  year  ensuing 
the  last  Wednesday  in  May  then  next.  The  votes  shall  be 
given  in  for  the  members  of  each  district  separately,  accord- 
ing to  the  foregoing  apportionment,  or  such  as  shall  be  here- 
atter  ordered ; and  the  selectmen  and  town  clerk  of  each 
town  shall  sort  and  count  the  votes,  and,  by  the  third  AVed- 
nesday  in  December  then  next,  transmit  to  the  secretary’s  of- 
fice, a list  certified  by  the  town  clerk  of  all  the  persons  who 
had  votes  as  senators  for  each  district  at  such  meeting,  and 
the  number  each  person  had,  affixed  to  his  name.  The  lists, 
so  sent  in,  shall  be  examined  by  the  General  Court  at  their 
then  next  sitting,  and  a list  for  each  district  of  those  voted  for, 
to  the  amount  of  double  the  number  assigned  such  district  (if 
so  many  shall  have  votes)  taking  those  who  had  the  highest 
numbers,  shall  be  made  out  and  sent  by  the  first  of  March, 
then  next  after,  to  the  several  towns  of  this  state,  as  a nomi- 


APPENDIX. 


555 


nation  list,  from  which  said  towns  shall,  at  their  meetings  for 
the  choice  of  governor  in  the  month  of  May,  vote  for  the  se- 
nators assigned  the  respective  districts;  which  votes  shall  be 
counted  and  sorted  and  lists  certified  as  before  directed,  made 
out  and  sent  in  to  the  secretary’s  office,  by  ten  o’clock  in  the 
forenoon  of  the  last  Wednesday  in  said  May,  and  not  afterwards  ; 
which  lists  shall  be  examined  by  the  house  of  representatives 
for  the  first  time  of  the  election  of  senators,  and  ever  after- 
wards by  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives  on  said  last 
Wednesday  of  May,  or  as  soon  after  as  may  be;  and  those 
persons  in  each  district,  equal  to  the  number  assigned  such 
district,  who  have  the  greatest  number  of  votes,  shall  be  sena- 
tors for  the  ensuing  year,  unless  it  shall  appear  to  the  senate 
that  any  member  or  members  thereof  were  unduly  elected 
or  not  legally  qualified ; of  which  the  senate  shall  be  the 
judges.  And  the  senate,  when  so  constituted,  shall  continue  in 
being  till  another  senate  is  chosen,  and  the  members'  thereof 
gone  through  all  the  steps  necessary  to  qualify  them  to  enter 
on  the  business  assigned  them  by  this  constitution. 

X.  There  shall  forever  hereafter,  on  the  first  Wednesday 
in  the  month  of  May  annually,  be  held,  in  each  town  in  this 
state,  a meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  such  towns  respective- 
ly, to  give  or  put  in  their  votes  for  governor,  lieutenant  go- 
vernor and  senators;  which  meeting  the  selectmen  shall 
cause  to  be  notified  in  the  manner  before  directed  for  the 
meeting  for  the  choice  of  representatives : and  the  town 
clerk  shall  return  into  the  secretary’s  office  by  ten  o’clock  in 
the  morning  of  the  last  Wednesday  of  said  May,  and  not  af- 
terwards, an  attested  copy  of  all  the  persons  who  had  votes  for 
governor  and  lieutenant  governor  respectively,  certifying  the 
number  of  votes  each  person  so  voted  for  had  ; which  lists  shall 
be,  on  said  last  Wednesday  of  May,  or  as  soon  after  as  may 
be,  examined  by  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives ; 
and  the  persons,  who,  on  such  examination,  shall  appear  to 
have  the  greatest  number  of  votes  for  those  offices  respec- 
Hvely,  provided  it  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number,  shall 


356 


APPENDIX. 


be  by  the  two  houses  declared  governor  and  lieutenant  gover- 
nor, and  entitled  to  act  as  such  the  ensuing  year : and  if  no 
person  shall  have  such  majority  for  governor  and  for  lieu- 
tenant governor,  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives 
shall,  as  soon  as  may  be,  after  examining  said  lists,  proceed 
by  joint  ballot  to  elect  a governor  or  lieutenant  governor,  or 
both,  as  the  case  may  require,  confining  themselves  to  one  of 
those  three  who  had  the  greatest  number  of  votes  collected 
in  the  several  towns  for  the  office  to  be  filled. 

XI.  If  any  person  chosen  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  se- 
nator or  representative,  whose  qualifications  shall  be  ques- 
tioned by  any  one  member  of  the  senate  or  house  of  repre- 
sentatives, within  twenty-four  days  after  his  appearing  to 
enter  upon  the  execution  of  his  office,  shall  not  make  oath 
before  a senator,  the  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives, 
or  some  justice  of  the  peace,  that  he  is  qualified  as  required  by 
this  constitution,  and  lodge  a certificate  thereof  in  the  secre- 
tary’s office,  within  ten  days  after  notice  given  him  of  such 
questioning  by  the  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  give 
such  notice,  his  election  shall  be  void  ; and  any  person  claim- 
ing privilege  of  voting  for  governor,  lieutenant  governor, 
senators  or  representatives,  and  w'hose  qualifications  shall  be 
questioned  in  towm  meeting,  shall  by  the  selectmen  be  pre- 
vented from  voting,  unless  he  shall  make  oath  that  he  is  qua- 
lified as  this  constitution  requires  ; said  oath  to  be  administer- 
ed by  a justice  of  the  peace,  or  the  town  clerk,  who  is  hereby 
empowered  to  administer  the  same,  when  no  justice  is  pre- 
sent. 

XII.  Whenever  any  person  who  may  be  chosen  a member 
of  the  senate  shall  decline  the  office  to  which  he  is  elected, 
or  shall  resign  his  place,  or  die,  or  remove  out  of  the  state, 
or  be  any  way  disqualified,  the  house  of  representatives  may, 
if  they  see  fit,  by  ballot,  fill  up  any  vacancy  occasioned  there- 
by, confining  themselves  in  the  choice  to  the  nomination  list 
for  the  district  to  which  such  member  belonged  whose  place 
is  to  be  supplied,  if  a sufficient  number  is  thereon  for  the  pur- 


APPENDIX. 


357 


pose  ; otherwise  the  choice  may  be  made  at  large  in  said 
district. 

XIII.  The  General  Court  shall  be  the  supreme  legislative 
authority  of  this  state,  and  shall  accordingly  have  full  power 
and  authority  to  erect  and  constitute  judicatories  and  courts  of 
record,  or  other  courts  ; and,  from  time  to  time,  to  make  and 
establish  all  manner  of  wholesome  and  reasonable  orders,  laws 
and  statutes ; and  also  for  the  necessary  support  and  defence 
of  this  government,  they  shall  have  full  power  and  authority 
to  levy  proportionable  and  reasonable  assessments,  rates  and 
taxes  ; and  to  do  all  and  every  thing  they  shall  judge  to  be 
for  the  good  and  w'elfare  of  the  state,  and  for  the  government 
and  ordering  thereof;  provided  nevertheless,  they  shall  not 
have  any  power  to  add  to,  alter,  abolish,  or  infringe  any  part 
of  this  constitution.  And  the  enacting  style  in  making  laws 
shall  be  ‘‘by  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives  in  Gene- 
ral Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same.” 

XIV.  The  senate  and  house  of  representatives  shall  be  two 
separate  and  distinct  bodies,  each  to  appoint  its  own  officers, 
and  settle  its  own  rules  of  proceedings;  and  each  shall  have 
an  equal  right  to  originate  or  reject  any  bill,  resolve  or  or- 
der, or  to  propose  amendments  to  the  same,  excepting  bills 
and  resolves  levying  and  granting  money  or  other  property 
of  the  state,  which  shall  originate  in  the  house  of  representa- 
tives only,  and  be  concurred  or  nonconcurred  in  whole  by  the 
senate. 

XV.  Not  less  than  sixty  members  shall  constitute  or  make 
a quorum  of  the  house  of  representatives;  and  not  less  than 
nine  shall  make  a quorum  of  the  senate. 

XVI.  The  senate  and  house  of  representatives  shall  have 
povver  to  adjourn  themselves  respectively  ; provided  such  ad- 
journment shall  not  exceed  two  days  at  any  one  time. 

XVII.  The  governor  shall  be  president  of  the  senate.  He 
shall  be  general  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  militia,  and 
admiral  of  the  navy  of  this  state  ; and  empowered  to  embody 
the  militia,  and  cause  them  to  be  marched  to  any  part  of  the 


358 


APPENDIX. 


state,  for  the  public  safety,  when  he  shall  think  necessary ; 
and  in  the  recess  of  the  General  Court,  to  march  the  miiitia, 
by  advice  of  the  senate,  out  of  the  state,  for  the  defence  of 
this,  or  any  other  of  the  United  States ; provided  always,  that 
the  governor  shall  exercise  the  power,  given  him  by  this 
constitution,  over  the  militia  and  navy  of  the  state,  according 
to  the  laws  thereof,  or  the  resolves  of  the  General  Court.  He 
shall,  with  the  advice  of  the  senate,  in  the  recess  of  the  Ge- 
neral Court,  have  power  to  prorogue  the  same  from  time  to 
time,  not  exceeding  forty  days  in  any  one  recess  of  said  court : 
and  in  the  sitting  of  said  court,  to  adjourn  or  prorogue  the 
said  court  to  any  time  they  shall  desire,  or  to  dissolve  the 
same  at  their  request,  or  to  call  said  court  together  sooner 
lhan  the  time  to  which  it  may  be  adjourned  or  prorogued,  if 
the  welfare  of  the  state  should  require  the  same.  He  shall 
have  power,  at  his  discretion,  to  grant  reprieves  to  condemn- 
ed criminals  for  a term  or  terms  of  time,  not  exceeding  six 
months.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  governor  to  inform  the  le- 
gislature at  every  session  of  the  General  Court,  of  the  con- 
dition of  the  state  ; and,  from  time  to  time,  to  recommend 
such  matters  to  their  consideration,  as  shall  appear  to  him  to 
concern  its  good  government,  welfare  and  prosperity. 

XVlll.  Whenever  the  person  who  maybe  chosen  governor 
shall  decline  the  trust,  to  which  he  is  thereby  elected,  or 
shall  resign  or  die,  or  remove  out  of  the  state,  or  be  other- 
wise disqualified,-  the  lieutenant  governor  shall  have  the  like 
power  during  the  vacancy  in  the  office  of  governor,  as  the 
governor  is  by  this  constitution  vested  with ; and  in  case  of  a 
vacancy  in  the  office  of  governor  and  lieutenant  governor,  the 
major  part  of  the  senate  shall  have  authority  to  exercise  all 
the  powers  of  a governor  during  such  vacancy  ; and  in  case 
both  the  governor  and  the  lieutenant  governor  be  absent  from 
the  senate,  the  senior  or  first  senator  then  present  shall  pre- 
side. 

XIX.  All  civil  officers  annually  chosen,  with  salaries  annu- 
ally granted  for  their  services,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Ge- 


APPENDIX. 


359 


neral  Court,  by  ballot ; each  branch  to  have  a right  to  origi- 
nate or  negative  the  choice.  All  other  civil  officers,  and  also 
all  general,  field  and  staff  officers,  both  of  the  militia  and  of 
the  troops  which  may  be  raised  by  and  be  in  the  pay  of  this 
state,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  governor  and  senate  : cap- 
tains and  subalterns  of  troops  raised  by  and  in  the  pay  of  the 
state  to  be  also  appointed  by  the  governor  and  senate. 

XX.  The  governor  and  senate  shall  be  a court  for  the  trial 
of  all  impeachments  of  any  officers  of  this  state,  provided  that 
if  any  impeachment  shall  be  prosecuted  against  the  governor, 
lieutenant  governor,  or  any  one  of  the  senate  ; in  such  case, 
the  person  impeached  shall  not  continue  one  of  the  court  for 
that  trial.  Previous  to  the  trial  of  any  impeachment,  the 
members  of  the  court  shall  be  respectively  sworn,  truly  and 
impartially  to  try  and  determine  the  charge  in  question,  ac- 
cording to  evidence  ; which  oath  shall  be  administered  to  the 
members  by  the  president,  and  to  him  by  any  one  of  the  se- 
nate. And  no  judgment  of  said  court  shall  be  valid,  unless  it 
be  assented  to  by  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  said  court  pre- 
sent at  such  trial ; nor  shall  judgment  extend  further  than  to  re- 
moval of  the  person  tried  from  office  and  disqualification  to  hold 
or  enjoy  any  place  of  honour,  trust  or  profit  under  the  state  : 
the  party  so  convicted  shall  nevertheless  be  liable  and  sub- 
ject to  indictment,  trial,  judgment  and  punishment,  according 
to  the  laws  of  the  state  : and  the  power  of  impeaching  all  offi- 
cers of  the  slate  for  mal-conduct  in  their  respective  offices 
shall  be  vested  in  the  house  of  representatives. 

XXI.  The  governor  may,  with  the  advice  of  the  senate,  in 
the  recess  of  the  General  Court,  lay  an  embargo,  or  prohibit 
the  exportation  of  any  commodity  for  any  term  of  time,  not 
exceeding  forty  days  in  any  one  recess  of  said  court. 

XXII.  The  governor  shall  have  no  negative,  as  governor, 
in  any  matter  pointed  out  by  this  constitution  to  be  done  bj^ 
the  governor  and  senate,  but  shall  have  an  equal  voice  with 
any  senator  on  any  question  before  them  ; provided  that  the 
governor,  or  in  his  absence  out  of  the  state,  the  lieutenant  go- 


360 


APPENDIX. 


vernor,  shall  be  present  in  senate  to  enable  them  to  proceed 
on  the  business  assigned  them  by  this  constitution,  as  gover, 
nor  and  senate. 

XXIII.  The  power  of  granting  pardons  shall  be  vested  in 
the  governor,  lieutenant  governor  and  speaker  of  the  house 
of  representatives,  for  the  time  being,  or  in  either  two  of 
them. 

XXIV.  The  justices  of  the  superior  court,  the  justices  of 
the  inferior  courts  of  common  pleas,  judges  of  probate  of 
wills,  judges  of  the  maritime  courts,  and  justices  of  the  peace, 
shall  hold  their  respective  places  during  good  behaviour. 

XXV.  The  secretary,  treasurer-general  and  commissary- 
general  shall  be  appointed  annually. 

XXVI.  The  attorney-general,  sheriffs,  registers  of  the 
courts  of  probate,  coroners,  notaries  public  and  naval  officers 
shall  be  appointed  and  hold  their  offices  during  pleasure. 

XXVII.  The  justices  of  the  superior  court,  justices  of  the 
inferior  courts,  courts  of  the  general  sessions  of  the  peace  and 
judges  of  the  maritime  courts,  shall  appoint  their  respective 
clerks. 

XXVIII.  The  delegates  for  this  state  to  the  continental 
Congress  shall  be  chosen  annually  by  joint  ballot  of  the  senate 
and  house  of  representatives,  and  may  be  superseded,  in  the 
mean  time,  in  the  same  manner.  If  any  person  holding  the 
office  of  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  senator,  judge  of  the 
superior  court,  secretary,  attorney-general,  treasurer-general, 
or  commissary-general,  shall  be  chosen  a member  of  Congress 
and  accept  the  trust,  the  place  which  he  so  held  as  aforesaid, 
shall  he  considered  as  vacated  thereby,  and  some  other  per- 
son chosen  to  succeed  him  therein.  And  if  any  person,  serv- 
ing for  this  state  at  said  Congress,  shall  be  appointed  to  either 
of  the  aforesaid  offices,  and  accept  thereof,  he  shall  be  consid- 
ered as  resigning  his  seat  in  Congress,  and  some  other  person 
shall  be  chosen  in  his  stead. 

XXIX.  No  person  unless  of  the  protestant  religion  shall  be 
governor,  lieutenant  governor,  a member  of  the  senate  or  of 


APPENDIX. 


361 


the  house  of  representatives  or  hold  any  judiciary  employ- 
ment within  this  state. 

XXX.  All  commissions  shall  run  in  the  name  of  the  state 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  bear  test  and  be  signed  by  the  governor 
or  commander  in  chief  of  the  state,  for  the  time  being,  and 
have  the  seal  of  the  state  thereunto  affixed,  and  be  attested 
by  the  secretary  or  his  deputy. 

XXXI.  All  writs  issuing  out  of  the  clerk’s  office  of  any  of 
the  courts  of  law  within  this  state,  shall  be  in  the  name  of  the 
state  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  under  the  seal  of  the  court  from 
which  they  issue,  bear  test  of  the  chief  justice,  or  senior  or 
first  justice  of  the  court  where  such  writ  is  returnable,  and 
be  signed  by  the  clerk  of  such  court.  Indictments  shall  con- 
clude “against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  state.” 

XXXIl.  All  the  statute  laws  of  this  state,  the  common  law, 
and  all  such  parts  of  the  English  and  British  statute  laws,  as  have 
been  adopted  and  usually  practised  in  the  courts  of  law  in  this 
state,  shall  still  remain  and  be  in  full  force  until  altered  or  re- 
pealed by  a future  law  or  laws  of  the  legislature;  and  shall 
be  accordingly  observed  and  obeyed  by  the  people  of  this 
state  ; such  parts  only  excepted  as  are  repugnant  to  the  rights 
and  privileges  contained  in  this  constitution  : and  all  parts  of 
such  laws  as  refer  to  and  mention  the  council  shall  be  con- 
strued to  extend  to  the  senate.  And  the  inestimable  right  of 
trial  by  jury  shall  remain  confirmed  as  part  of  this  constitution 
forever. 

XXXIII.  All  monies  shall  be  issued  out  of  the  treasury  of 
this  state  and  disposed  of  by  warrants  under  the  hand  of  the 
governor  for  the  time  being,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
the  senate,  for  the  necessary  defence  and  support  of  the  go- 
vernment, and  the  protection  and  preservation  of  the  inhabi- 
tants thereof,  agreeably  to  the  acts  and  resolves  of  the  Gene- 
ral Court. 

XXXIV.  The  free  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  religious 
profession  and  worship  shall  forever  be  allowed  to  every  de- 
nomination of  protestants  within  this  state. 

46 


vor.  II. 


362 


APPENDIX. 


XXXV^.  The  lollovving  oath  shall  be  taken  by  every  per- 
son appointed  to  any  office  in  this  state,  before  his  entering 
on  the  execution  of  his  office  ; viz.  /,  J.  B.  do  swear  {or  af- 
firm^ as  the  case  may  be)  that  I will  bear  faith  and  true  allegi- 
ance to  the  state  of  Massachusetts  ; and  that  / will  faithfully  ex- 
ecute  the  business  of  the  office  of  agreeably  to  the  laws  of 

this  state^  according  to  my  best  skill  and  judgment^  without  fear, 
favour,  affection  or  partiality. 

XXXVI.  And  whereas  it  may  not  be  practicable  to  conform 
to  this  constitution  in  the  election  of  governor,  lieutenant  go- 
vernor, senators  and  representatives  for  the  first  year;  there- 
fore, 

The  present  convention,  if  in  being,  or  the  next  general 
assembly,  which  shall  be  chosen  upon  the  present  constitu- 
tion, shall  determine  the  time  and  manner  in  which  the  peo- 
ple shall  choose  said  officers  for  the  -first  year ; and  upon  said 
choice,  the  general  assembly,  then  in  being,  shall  be  dissolv- 
ed and  give  place  to  the  free  execution  of  this  constitution. 

By  order  of  the  convention., 

JEREMIAH  POWELL,  President. 


Attest, 

Samuel  Fjieeman,  Clerk. 


No.  n.-^Page  300. 

The  General  Court  was  to  have  met  on  Wednesday  31st 
January.  But  a sufficient  number  of  representatives  to  form 
a quorum  did  not  attend  till  Saturdaj^,  3d  of  February.  On  re- 
ceiving official  notice,  that  the  two  houses  were  ready  to  pro- 
ceed in  the  public  business,  the  governor  immediately  pro- 
ceeded to  the  senate  chamber,  and  delivered  the  following 
speech  to  both  houses  then  assembled. 


APPENDIX. 


363 


Gentlemen  of  the  Senate^  and 

Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Representatives^^ 

“ It  was  expected  by  the  General  Court,  that  their  pro- 
ceedings at  their  last  session,  respecting  the  insurgents,  would 
have  answered  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  intended. 
By  those  proceedings,  there  were  held  forth  to  them,  punish- 
ment on  the  one  hand,  and  pardon  on  the  other. — Punishment, 
in  case  of  perseverance  in  their  criminal  conduct;  pardon  and 
indemnity,  if  they  desisted  from  it ; and  by  a given  time,  should 
take  the  oaths  of  allegiance.  This  application  to  their  feel- 
ings, and  to  that  actuating  principle,  a desire  of  personal  safe- 
ty, it  was  apprehended,  would  have  had  a forcible  inliuence 
to  bring  them  to  their  duty.  But  unhapj)ily,  it  did  not  produce 
any  good  effect,  except  upon  a very  few  individuals  of  them. 

, On  the  contrary,  the  lenity  and  forbearance  of  government 
were  treated  with  contempt,  and  imputed  by  them  to  an  ina- 
bility of  defending  itself ; and  some  of  your  last  acts  Iiave 
been  added  to  their  list  of  grievances. 

But  the  clearest  and  most  unequivocal  evidence  of  their 
perseverance,  in  opposition  to  government,  is  deduced  from 
their  proceedings,  respecting  the  judicial  courts,  in  several  of 
the  counties,  since  the  last  session  of  the  General  Court. 
They  twice,  with  an  armed  force,  stopped  those  courts  in 
Worcester;  and  would  not  suffer  them  to  open  in  Hampshire. 
They  attempted  it,  though  unsuccessfully,  in  Middlesex  : and 
in  consequence  of  that  attempt,  several  of  them  were  taken 
into  custody,  by  virtue  of  state  warrants;  in  the  execution  of 
which,  the  sheriff  and  other  persons  to  whom  the  warrants 
w’ere  directed,  had  the  aid  and  support  of  a number  of  spirit- 
ed gentlemen  of  that  county  and  Suffolk. 

At  the  last  time  of  their  assembling  in  Worcester,  there 
were  nearly  a thousand  of  them  in  arms,  who,  to  the  great 
annoyance  and  terror  of  that  vicinity,  continued  embodied  for 
several  days  after  the  court  had  adjourned  : meditating,  as  it 
was  apprehended,  further  outrages ; which  were  providen- 
tially prevented  by  the  continued  storms  of  that  week. 


appendix. 


364 

These  violent  and  treasonable  proceedings  of  the  insurgents 
were  perpetrated  after  the  publication  of  the  last  acts  of  the 
General  Court  respecting  them  ; and  demonstrated,  not  only 
a total  disregard  of  those  acts,  and  the  authority  by  which 
they  w^ere  enacted,  but  a contempt  of  all  constitutional  go- 
vernment, and  a fixed  determination  to  persevere  in  measures 
for  subverting  it. 

This  determination,  and  these  measures,  were  also  mani- 
fested by  their  printed  declarations ; and  by  some  of  the  pri- 
vate transactions  of  their  leaders,  when  the  main  body  of  the 
insurgents  were  last  assembled  at  Worcester  : by  which  it  ap- 
peared, the  insurgents  were  formed  into  regiments,  and  that 
a committee  was  appointed  for  each  regiment,  to  see  that  it 
should,  without  delay,  be  properly  officered  and  equipped  ; 
and  completely  ready  when  called  upon. 

That  this  was  the  state  of  things  in  the  western  counties, 
was  further  confirmed  by  letters  I received  from  some  of  the 
most  respectable  characters  in  those  counties  ; and  by  the  oral 
testimony  of  many  intelligent  persons  from  thence  : who  all 
agreed  in  the  necessity  of  speedy  and  vigorous  measures  being 
taken,  for  the  effectual  suppression  of  the  insurgents  : without 
which  the  well-affected  might,  from  a principle  of  s 'h'  preser- 
vation,  be  obliged  to  join  them  ; and  the  insurrection  become 
general. 

The  safety  and  well  being  of  the  Commonwealth  being 
thus  at  hazard,  and  the  lenient,  conciliating  measures  of  the 
General  Court,  having  been  rejected  by  the  insurgents,  I con- 
ceived myself  under  every  obligation,  of  honour  and  duty,  to 
exert  the  powers  vested  in  me  by  law  and  the  constitution, 
for  the  protection  and  defence  of  the  Commonwealth,  against 
the  hostile  and  nefarious  attempts  of  those  lawless  men. 

Pursuant  to  this  idea,  I laid  before  the  council  all  the  in- 
formation and  intelligence  I had  collected,  relative  to  the  pro- 
ceedings and  designs  of  those  men ; and  the  council  were 
unanimously  of  opinion,  and  accordingly  advised,  that  vigor- 
ous measures  should  be  taken  to  protect  the  judicial  courts, 


APPENDIX. 


365 


particularly  those  that  were  then  to  be  next  holden  at  Wor- 
cester ; to  aid  the  civil  magistrate  in  executing  the  laws  ; to 
repel  all  insurgents  against  the  government;  and  to  appre- 
hend all  disturbers  of  the  public  peace  ; particularly  such  of 
them  as  might  be  named  in  any  state  warrant,  or  warrants. 

For  these  purposes,  upon  the  effecting  of  which  all  good 
government,  and  indeed  the  happy  existence  of  the  Common- 
wealth, do  essentially  depend,  1 have  called  forth  from  seve- 
ral counties,  a respectable  body  of  the  militia,  the  command 
of  which  I have  given  to  major  general  Lincoln,  with  orders 
to  carry  those  purposes  into  effectual  execution. 

Those  orders  are  now  in  operation,  and  will  be  laid  before 
you,  with  the  general  orders,  containing  the  plan  of  mea- 
sures, by  which  the  Commonwealth  was  to  be  defended 
against  its  present  assailants. 

I congratulate  you,  gentlemen,  on  the  success  of  those  mea- 
sures hitherto ; and  hope  it  is  a prelude  to  final  success,  and 
to  the  re-establishment  of  perfect  tranquillity.  The  des- 
patches concerning  it,  which  1 have  received  from  general 
Lincoln,  and  general  Shepard,  will  be  laid  before  you. 

Thus,  gentlemen,  from  a principle  of  duty  to  the  Common- 
wealth, and  in  conformity  to  your  resolution  of  the  24tb  of 
October,  in  which  you  express  a full  confidence,  “ that  I will 
still  persevere  in  the  exercise  of  such  powers  as  are  vested 
in  me  by  the  constitution,  for  preventing  any  attempts  to  in- 
terrupt the  administration  of  law  and  justice,  and  for  enforcing 
due  obedience  to  the  authority  and  laws  of  government,*’  I 
have  taken  the  measures  above  represented.  1 tru«t  they 
will  meet  with  your  entire  approbation,  and  with  that  support, 
which  is  naturally  to  be  expected  from  the  guardians  of  the 
public  safety. 

On  my  part,  I have  done,  in  this  business,  what  the  duty  of 
my  office,  and  the  oath  of  qualification,  indispensably  require ; 
and  I have  the  fnllest  confidence,  that  on  your  part  nothing 
will  be  wanting  to  carry  into  complete  effect  the  measures, 
that  have  been  taken,  or  ^that  may  be  further  necessary,  to 


366 


APPENDIX. 


suppress  the  present  insurrection ; and  to  ensure  a strict  obe- 
dience to  the  laws.  This  is  so  essential  to  the  peace  and  safe- 
ty of  the  Commonwealth,  that  it  requires  your  immediate  at- 
tention ; and  the  speedy  application  of  further  means,  if  those 
already  taken  should  be  deemed  insufficient,  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Among'  those  means,  you  may  deem  it  necessary  to  establish 
some  criterion  for  discriminating  between  good  citizens  and 
insurgents,  that  each  might  be  regarded  according  to  their 
characters : the  former  as  their  country’s  friends,  and  to  be 
protected;  and  the  latter  as  public  enemies,  and  to  be  effec- 
tually suppressed.  At  such  a time  as  the  present,  every  man 
ought  to  show  his  colours,  and  take  his  side ; no  neutral  cha- 
racters should  be  allowed  : nor  any  one  suffered  to  vibrate  be- 
tween the  two. 

Vigour,  decision,  energy,  will  soon  terminate  this  unnatu- 
ral, this  unprovoked  insurrection  ; and  prevent  the  effusion  of 
blood  : but  the  contrary  may  involve  the  Commonwealth  in  a 
civil  war,  and  all  its  dreadful  consequences:  which  may  ex- 
tend, not  only  to  the  neighbouring  states,  but  even  to  the 
whole  confederacy,  and  finally  destroy  the  fair  temple  of  Ame- 
rican liberty  : in  the  erection  of  which,  besides  the  vast  ex- 
pense of  it,  many  thousands  of  valuable  citizens  have  been  sa- 
crificed. 

There  are  several  things,  resulting  from  the  measures  in 
operation,  wffiich  require  your  immediate  attention. 

The  money  immediately  wanted  for  carrying  them  into  exe- 
cution, was  supplied  by  a voluntary  loan  from  a number  of  gen- 
tlemen, and  in  a manner  which  does  them  much  honour.  1 must 
earnestly  recommend  to  you  to  provide  for  its  reimburse- 
ment, which,  upon  the  principles  of  policy  as  well  as  justice, 
should  be  made  as  speedily  as  possible.  Provision  also  should 
be  made  for  defraying  the  general  expense. 

Should  the  time  be  too  short  to  effect  the  great  purposes, 
for  which  the  militia  were  called  forth,  it  may  be  necessary 
that  general  Lincoln  should  be  empowered  to  continue  them 


APPENDIX. 


367 


in  service,  by  enlistment,  until  those  purposes  shall  be  accom- 
plished. The  men  bein^  already  embodied,  and  the  arrange- 
ments for  supporting  them  perfected,  the  expense  of  such  a 
continuance  will  be  much  less  than  that  of  raising  a new  body 
for  the  same  service. 

There  are  defects  in  our  militia  act,  which  require  an  im- 
mediate remedy  ; and  which  1 shall  mention  to  you  in  a sepa- 
rate message. 

These,  gentlemen,  are  matters  of  importance ; but  the  ge- 
neral subject  of  this  address  is  of  the  first  magnitude,  and  de- 
mands your  immediate  and  most  serious  attention.  If  it  be 
taken  up  with  proper  spirit — if  the  measures  in  operation  be 
seconded  with  firmness  and  decision — and  if  the  powers  of  the 
several  branches  of  government  be  united  in  a wise  and  vigo- 
rous exertion,  we  may  reasonably  expect  a speedy  and  hap- 
py issue  to  the  present  insurrection : to  which  happy  issue 
every  exertion  on  my  part  has  been,  and  shall  be,  applied. 

But,  on  the  contrary,  if  indecision,  languor  or  disunion 
should  on  this  occasion  jiervade  our  public  councils,  insurrec- 
tion, though  checked  for  the  present,  would  gain  new  strength, 
and,  like  a torrent,  might  sweep  away  every  mound  of  the 
constitution  ; and  overwhelm  the  Commonwealth  in  every 
species  of  calamity.  In  such  a case,  if  brought  on  by  remiss- 
ness, or  relaxation,  on  our  part,  we  should  be,  not  only  involv- 
ed— most  essentially  involved,  in  that  calamity,  but  justly 
chargeable  with  betraying  the  trust  reposed  in  us  by  our  fel- 
low-citizens ; and  chargeable  with  ignominiously  deserting 
the  posts  assigned  us,  as  guardians  of  the  peace,  the  safety 
and  happiness  of  the  Commonwealth. 

But,  very  happily — this  is  only  a possible  case  ; for  your  pa- 
triotism, your  virtue,  your  regard  for  your  own  liberties  and 
property,  and  for  those  of  your  families  and  posterity,  must 
induce  you  to  call  forth  every  power  of  government  into  vi- 
gorous exertion  for  preventing  such  a comj>lication,  such  an 
accumulation  of  evils. 


368 


APPENDIX. 


On  this  occasion,  it  is  proper,  gentlemen,  to  inform  you, 
that  I have  received  from  several  towns,  petitions,  directed 
to  the  governor  and  council,  and  also  to  the  General  Court, 
relative  to  the  insurgents.  The  petitions,  being  eight  in  num- 
ber, do  disapprove  of  the  proceedings  of  government,  in  re- 
gard to  those  people. 

But  as  the  things  prayed  for,  were,  for  the  most  part,  not 
cognizable  by  the  governor  and  council ; and  such  as  were  so, 
could  not  be  granted  by  them,  consistently  with  the  duty  they 
owe  to  the  Commonwealth,  the  petitions  will  be  laid  before 
you,  for  your  consideration. 

There  are  other  matters,  to  which  your  attention,  gentle- 
men, is  necessary  ; and  they  will  be  communicated  by  mes- 
sage. 

James  Bowdoin. 

Council-Chamber^  Feb.  3,  1787. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  JAMES  BOWDOIN,  ESQUIRE,  GOVERNOR  OF  THE 
COMMONWEALTH  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

“ May  it  please  your  Excellency^ 

‘‘  The  senate  and  house  of  representatives,  in  General 
Court  assembled,  have  read  and  duly  attended  to  your  speech 
at  the  opening  of  this  session,  and  take  the  earliest  opportu- 
nity to  express  their  entire  satisfaction  in  the  measures  you 
have  been  pleased  to  take,  pursuant  to  the  powers  vested  in 
you  by  the  constitution,  for  the  subduing  a turbulent  spirit, 
which  has  too  long  insulted  the  government  of  this  Common- 
wealth, prostrated  the  courts  of  law  and  justice  in  divers 
counties,  and  threatened  even  the  overthrow  of  the  constitu- 
tion itself.  The  General  Court  congratulate  your  excellency 
on  the  success  with  which  Providence  has  been  pleased  hith- 
erto to  bless  the  wise,  spirited  and  prudent  measures  which 
you  have  taken ; and  they  earnestly  entreat  your  excellency, 
still  to  encounter,  repel,  and  resist,  by  all  fitting  ways,  enter- 
prises and  means,  all  and  every  such  person  and  persons,  as 


APPENDIX. 


369 


attempt  or  enterprise,  in  a hostile  manner,  the  destruction, 
detriment,  or  annoyance  of  this  Commonwealth  ; and  to  pur- 
sue such  further  constitutional  measures  as  you  may  think  ne- 
cessary for  extirpating  the  spirit  of  rebellion  : quieting  the 
minds  of  the  good  people  of  the  Commonwealth  ; and  esta- 
blishing the  just  authority  and  dignity  of  government.  And 
in  order  that  your  excellency  may  be  possessed  of  the  full 
power  of  the  constitution,  to  effect  these  great  purposes,  the 
General  Court  have  thought  it  highly  necessary,  after  mature 
deliberation,  to  declare  that  a rebellion  exists  within  this 
Commonwealth. 

This  court  are  fully  persuaded,  that  by  far  the  greater  part 
of  the  citizens  of  this  Commonwealth  are  vvarrnly  attached  to 
our  present  happy  constitution : they  have  a high  sense  of 
the  merit  of  a respectable  body  of  the  militia,  who  have  with 
readiness  attended  your  excellency’s  orders  on  this  pressing 
emergency,  as  well  as  of  the  patriotic  zeal  of  a number  of 
private  citizens,  who  have  cheerfully  advanced  their  money 
in  aid  to  government ; and  you  may  be  assured,  sir,  that  the 
most  speedy  and  effectual  means  will  be  used  for  the  payment 
of  the  officers  and  soldiers  who  have  been,  or  may  be  employ- 
ed in  this  necessary  and  most  important  service  ; and  for  the 
reimbursement  of  the  monies  generously  advanced  for  its  sup- 
port. 

It  is  to  be  expected,  that  vigour,  decision  and  energy,  under 
the  direction  and  blessing  of  Heaven,  will  soon  terminate  this 
unnatural,  unprovoked  rebellion,  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood, 
and  the  fatal  consequences  to  be  dreaded  from  a civil  war; 
and  it  is  the  determination  of  this  court  to  establish  a crite- 
rion for  discriminating  between  good  citizens  and  others,  that 
each  may  be  regarded  according  to  their  characters  and  de- 
serts. 

If  it  should  appear  to  your  excellency,  that  the  time  for 
which  the  militia,  under  the  command  of  major  general  Lin- 
coln, are  enlisted,  is  too  short  to  effect  the  great  objects  in 
view,  it  is  the  request  of  this  court,  that  you  would  be  pleas- 
voL.  n.  47 


370 


APPENDIX. 


ed  to  direct  the  commanding  general  to  reinlist  the  same 
men,  or  enlist  others,  for  such  further  time  as  you  may  think 
necessary,  or  to  replace  them  by  detachments  from  the  mili- 
tia ; and,  if  you  shall  think  it  expedient,  to  increase  their  num- 
bers, and  continue  them  in  service  until  those  purposes  shall 
be  completely  accomplished. 

The  General  Court  will  give  the  most  ready  attention  to 
your  message  of  the  third  instant,  and  every  other  communi- 
cation you  shall  be  pleased  to  lay  before  them.  They  will 
vigorously  pursue  every  measure  that  may  be  calculated  to 
support  the  constitution,  and  will  still  continue  to  redress  any 
real  grievances,  if  such  shall  be  found  to  exist — humbly  be- 
seeching Almighty  God  to  preserve  union  and  harmony  among 
the  several  powers  of  government,  as  well  as  among  the  ho- 
nest and  virtuous  citizens  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  to  re- 
store to  us  the  inestimable  blessings  of  peace  and  liberty, 
under  a wise  and  righteous  administration  of  government. 

In  Senate, February^  1787. 

Read,  and  unanimously  accepted — and  ordered,  That  Samuel 
Adams,  Caleb  Strong,  annd  Seth  VVashburne,  Esquires,  with 
such  as  the  honourable  house  may  join,  be  a committee  to 
wait  upon  his  excellency  the  governor  with  the  foregoing 
address. 

Sent  down  for  concurrence. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS,  jun.  President. 

In  the  House  q/*  Representatives,  Feb.  4t/j,  1787. 

Read  and  concurred,  and  Mr.  Shepard,  Mr.  Brooks,  Mr.  Beck- 
ford,  and  Mr.  Davis  are  joined. 

ARTEMAS  WARD,  Speaker. 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

Whereas  many  persons  who  now  are,  or  have  been,  in  arms 
against  the  government,  may  not  have  considered  the  evil  na- 
ture and  tendency  of  their  crime  ; and  might  not  have  been 
apprized  that  an  opposition  to  the  legal  authority  of  the  state, 
with  force  of  arms,  is  treason  and  rebellion  : And  n'hereas  Ge- 


APPENDIX. 


371 


neral  Lincoln  has  given  to  a particular  description  of  the  in- 
surgents his  assurances  of  recommending  them  to  the  cle- 
mency of  the  government  on  certain  conditions  therein  men- 
tioned : 

Resolved^  That  this  court  approve  of  general  Lincoln’s  con- 
duct in  his  overtures  of  recommending  certain  descriptions  of 
insurgents  to  the  clemency  of  government,  and  that  the  go- 
vernor be,  and  he  hereby  is,  authorised  and  empowered,  in 
the  name  of  the  General  Court,  to  promise  a pardon,  under 
such  disqualifications  as  may  hereafter  be  provided,  to  such 
private  soldiers  and  others,  who  act  in  the  capacity  of  non- 
commissioned officers,  as  have  been,  or  now  are,  in  arms 
against  the  Commonwealth,  with  such  exceptions  as  he  or  the 
general  officer  commanding  the  troops  may  judge  necessary  ; 
'provided^  they  shall  deliver  up  their  arras,  and  take  and  sub- 
scribe the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  Commonwealth,  within 
such  time  as  shall  or  may  be  limited  by  his  excellency  for  that 
purpose. 

In  Senate,  4th  February^  1787. 

Read,  and  unanimously  accepted. 

Sent  down  for  concurrence. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS,  jun.  President. 

In  the  House  q/*  Representatives,  Feb.  4,  1787. 

Read  and  concurred : 

ARTEMAS  WARD,  Speaker. 

Approved.  ^ 

JMIES  BOlVDOm. 


No.  III.— Page  300. 

DECLARATION  OF  REBELLION. 

Whereas  the  doings  of  the  General  Court  at  their  last  session, 
relative  to  the  insurgents  against  the  government  and  the  au- 
thority of  the  state,  in  several  counties  within  this  Common- 


372 


APPENDIX. 


wefilth,  were  lenient  and  merciful,  were  intended  to  quiet  the 
minds  of  the  disaifected,  and  ought  to  have  had  the  effect  they 
were  designed  to  produce  : 

And  whereas  every  complaint  of  grievance  was  carefully 
attended  to,  with  a disposition  to  grant  all  that  relief  which 
could  be  afforded  consistent  with  equal  justice  and  the  dignity 
of  government ; and  the  General  Court,  so  far  as  they  were 
able,  adopted  measures  accordingly,  and  gave  full  and  clear 
information,  to  the  insurgents  as  well  as  others,  of  the  general 
situation  of  public  affairs: 

And  whereas  a full  and  free  pardon,  for  all  the  outrageous 
proceedings  against  the  government,  w hereof  the  insurgents 
had  been  guilty,  was  tendered  them  upon  this  mild  condition 
alone,  that  they  should  be  guilty  of  such  outrages  no  more  ; 
and  as  evidence  of  their  intentions  to, demean  themselves,  in 
future,  as  good  and  faithful  citizens,  should,  before  the  first 
day  of  January,  A.  D.  1787,  take  and  subscribe  the  oath  of 
allegiance ; it  manifestly  appears,  from  the  subsequent  con- 
duct of  the  leaders  of  the  insurgents,  that  their  opposition  to 
government  has  not  arisen  from  a misapprehension  as  to  the 
views  and  disposition  of  government,  or  from  a temporary 
irritation,  arising  from  the  pressure  of  supposed  grievances, 
or  from  a misguided  zeal  to  promote  the  public  happiness,  as 
has  been  insidiously  asserted  ; but  from  a settled  determina- 
tion to  subvert  the  constitution,  and  put  an  end  to  the  govern- 
ment of  this  Commonwealth : it  is  also  abundantly  manifest, 
that  the  conduct  of  the  insurgents,  in  stopping  the  courts  of 
justice  in  the  counties  of  Worcester  and  Hampshire — in  as- 
sembling in  arms,  avowmdly  to  commit  the  same  outrages  in 
the  county  of  Middlesex — in  calling  upon  the  towns  in  some 
counties  to  furnish  themselves  with  arms  and  ammunition — in 
appointing  committees  to  form  their  adherents  into  regular 
military  companies,  properly  officered,  thereby  to  establish 
within  this  Commonwealth  a standing  force,  beyond  the  con- 
trol of,  and  for  the  express  purpose  of  opposing,  in  arms,  the 
constitutional  government  of  the  state — in  endeavouring  to 


APPENDIX. 


373 


increase  the  commotions  in  the  counties  aforesaid,  by  pub- 
licly inviting  and  alluring  others  to  throw  off  their  allegiance 
and  join  their  body  ; is  subversive  of  all  order  and  govern- 
ment, absolutely  incompatible  with  the  public  safety  and  hap- 
piness ; and  is  an  open,  unnatural,  unprovoked  and  wicked  re- 
bellion, against  the  dignity,  authority  and  government  of  this 
Commonwealth  : — and  the  legislature,  in  duty  to  their  consti- 
tuents, in  conformity  to  their  oaths,  and  by  virtue  of  the  au- 
thority vested  in  them  by  the  constitution,  (having  ineffectu- 
ally tried  every  lenient  measure  to  reclaim  them)  Do  hereby 
SOLEMNLY  DECLARE,  That  a Iiorvid  and  unnatural  REBELLION’ 
and  WAR  has  been  openly  and  traitorously  raised  and  levied 
against  this  Commonwealth^  and  is  still  continued^  and  now  exists 
within  the  same^  with  design  to  subvert  and  overthrow  the 
constitution  and  form  of  government  thereof,  which  has  been 
most  solemnly  agreed  to,  and  established  by  the  citizens  of 
this  Commonwealth  ; and  that  government  ought  and  will, 
with  the  greatest  energy  and  force,  exert  and  bring  forth  all 
the  power  of  the  Commonwealth  for  the  suppression  thereof: 
and  all  the  horrors*  and  evils,  that  may  follow  in  consequence 
of  this  rebellion,  must  be  imputed  to  those  men  who  have, 
contrary  to  the  duty  of  their  allegiance,  and  every  principle 
of  law  and  justice,  been  the  fomenters,  abettors  and  support- 
ers of  the  same. 

In  Senate,  Ath  February^  1787. 

Read,  and  unanimously  accepted. 

Sent  down  for  concurrence. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS,  jun.  President. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  Feb.  4.  1787. 

Read  and  concurred  : 

ARTEMAS  WARD,  Speaker. 


No.  IV.  Page  321. 

The  following  letter  was  addressed  by  Hon.  E.  Gerry,  who 
was  one  of  the  delegates  from  Massachusetts  to  the  general 


374 


APPENDIX. 


Gonvenfion,  to  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives.  A 
copy  of  the  constitution  had  been  previously  forwarded  by 
Congress  to  the  governor,  to  be  laid  before  the  legislature  of 
the  state.  Mr.  Gerry  was  the  only  delegate  from  Massachu- 
setts, who  declined  signing  the  constitution ; his  reasons  for 
which  appear  in  the  letter.  It  contains,  in  substance,  the 
principal  objections  to  the  constitution.  It  is  therefore  proper 
to  be  preserved,  in  reference  to  the  discussion  on  the  subject 
stated  in  this  volume. 


New  York,  October  18,  1787. 

Gentlemen — I have  the  honour  to  inclose,  pursuant  to  my 
commission,  the  constitution  proposed  by  the  federal  conven- 
tion. 

To  this  system,  1 gave  my  dissent,  and  shall  submit  my  ob- 
jections to  the  honorable  legislature. 

It  was  painful  for  me,  on  a subject  of  such  national  impor- 
tance, to  differ  from  the  respectable  members  who  signed  the 
constitution.  But,  conceiving  as  I did,  that  the  liberties  of 
America  were  not  secured  by  the  system,  it  was  my  duty  to 
oppose  it. 

My  principal  objections  to  the  plan  are,  that  there  is  no 
adequate  provision  for  a representation  of  the  people  ; that  they 
have  no  security  for  the  right  of  election  ; that  some  of  the 
powers  of  the  legislature  are  ambiguous,  and  others  indefinite 
and  dangerous ; that  the  executive  is  blended  with,  and  will 
have  an  undue  influence  over,  the  legislature ; that  the  judi- 
cial department  will  be  oppressive  ; that  treaties  of  the  high- 
est importance  may  be  formed  by  the  president,  with  the  ad- 
vice of  two  thirds  of  a quorum  of  the  senate ; and  that  the 
system  is  without  the  security  of  a bill  of  rights.  These  are 
objections  which  are  not  local ; but  apply  equally  to  all  the 
states. 

As  the  convention  was  called  for  “ the  sole  and  express 
purpose  of  revising  the  articles  of  confederation,  and  report- 


APPENDIX. 


375 


ing  to  Congress  and  to  the  several  legislatures,  such  altera- 
tions and  provisions  as  shall  render  the  federal  constitution 
adequate  to  the  exigences  of  government,  and  the  preserva- 
tion of  the  union,”  1 did  not  conceive  that  these  powers  ex- 
tended to  the  formation  of  the  plan  proposed ; but  the  con- 
vention being  of  a different  opinion,  I acquiesced  in  it ; being 
fully  convinced,  that,  to  preserve  the  union,  an  efficient  go- 
vernment was  indispensably  necessary  ; and  that  it  would  be  dif- 
ficult to  make  proper  amendments  to  the  articles  of  confederation. 

The  constitution  proposed  has  /eta?,  if  nny  federal  features; 
but  is  rather  a system  of  national  government : nevertheless, 
in  many  respects,  I think  it  has  great  merit ; and  by  proper 
amendments,  may  be  adapted  to  the  exigences  of  govern- 
ment,” and  the  preservation  of  liberty. 

The  question  on  this  plan  involves  "others  of  the  highest 
importance — First,  whether  there  shall  be  a dissolution  of  the 
federal  government?  Secondly,  whether  the  several  state 
governments  shall  be  so  altered,  as,  in  effect,  to  be  dissolved  ? 
And  thirdly,  whether,  in  lieu  of  the  federal  and  state  govern- 
ntents,  the  national  constitution,  now  proposed,  shall  be  sub- 
stituted without  amendment?  Never,  perhaps,  were  a people 
called  on  to  decide  a question  of  greater  magnitude.  Should 
the  citizens  of  America  adopt  the  plan  as  it  now'  stands,  their 
liberties  may  be  lost.  Or  should  they  reject  it  altogether, 
anarchy  may  ensue.  It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  they  should 
not  be  precipitate  in  their  decisions  ; that  the  subject  should 
be  well  understood,  lest  they  should  refuse  to  support  the  go- 
vernment, after  having  hastily  adopted  it. 

If  those  who  are  in  favour  of  the  constitution,  as  well  as 
those  who  are  against  it,  should  preserve  moderation,  their 
discussions  may  afford  much  information,  and  tinally  direct  to 
a happy  issue. 

It  may  be  urged  by  some,  that  an  implicit  confidence  should 
be  placed  in  the  convention.  But,  however  respectable  the 
members  may  be  who  signed  the  constitution,  it  must  be  ad- 
mitted that  a free  people  are  the  proper  guardians  of  their 


376 


APPENDIX. 


rights  and  liberties  ; that  the  greatest  men  may  err  ; and  that 
their  errors  are  sometimes  of  the  greatest  magnitude. 

Others  may  suppose,  that  the  constitution  may  be  safely 
adopted,  because  therein  provision  is  made  to  amend  it.  But 
cannot  this  object  be  better  obtained  before  a ratification,  than 
after  it  ? And  should  a free  people  adopt  a form  of  govern- 
ment, under  conviction  that  it  wants  amendment? 

And  some  may  conceive,  that,  if  the  plan  is  not  accepted  by 
the  people,  they  will  not  unite  in  another.  ‘But  surely,  while 
they  have  the  power  to  amend,  they  are  not  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  rejecting  it. 

I shall  only  add,  that,  as  the  welfare  of  the  union  requires 
a better  constitution  than  the  confederation,  1 shall  think  it 
my  duty,  as  a citizen  of  Massachusetts,  to  support  that  which 
shall  be  finally  adopted ; sincerely  hoping  it  will  secure  the 
liberty  and  happiness  of  America. 

(Signed)  E.  Gerry. 

To  Hon.  S.  Adams, 

President  of  the  Senate,  and 

Hon.  James  Warren, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Date  Due 


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Boston  College  Library 

Chestnut  Hill  67,  Mass. 

Books  may  be  kept  for  two  weeks  unless  a 
shorter  time  is  specified. 

Two  cents  a day  is  charged  for  each  2-week 
book  kept  overtime;  25  cents  a day  for  each  over- 
night book. 

If  you  cannot  find  what  you  want,  inquire  at  the 
delivery  desk  for  assisstance. 


